4 Steps That May Help You Prevent Developing Diabetic Retinopathy
If you suffer from diabetes, your risks for developing eye problems are greater than people without this disease. The most common eye condition diabetic individuals develop is diabetic retinopathy, which is caused by changes in the blood vessels in the retina. This condition can lead to blindness in some cases; however, you might be able to prevent getting this if you take the right steps in life. Here are the four most important things you can do to prevent getting diabetic retinopathy.
Control Your Blood Sugar
Diabetes occurs when a person's body does not produce insulin, which is needed to break down sugars. Because of this, diabetics often take insulin shots to even out their blood sugar levels. Keeping your blood sugar levels under control is the best thing you can do for your health, because it may help you avoid diabetic retinopathy. Findings show that people with diabetes who keep their blood sugar levels normal slowed any development of retinopathy.
To do this, you may need to check your blood sugar levels daily, and you may need to change your diet. You can learn more about controlling your blood sugar level by visiting your doctor.
Keep Your Blood Pressure Under Control
The second factor that puts you at a higher risk for developing this condition as a diabetic person is your blood pressure. High blood pressure is common with diabetes, but it is bad for your overall health. It is also dangerous for your eyes.
When your blood pressure is too high, it causes an excessive amount of pressure to build in your veins. This pressure is found throughout your entire body, including in your eyes. The high pressure on your eyes is one of the causes of diabetic retinopathy, which is why it is so important to keep your blood pressure regulated.
Exercise Often
Exercising regularly will not only help you keep control over your blood sugar level, but it can also be a great way to naturally lower your blood pressure. Walking is a great way to exercise, but you can also join aerobic classes, swim, or perform a variety of other types of exercises. You should try to form a habit of exercising for 30 minutes five times a week.
Visit Your Eye Doctor Regularly
Finally, you should make sure you visit your eye doctor as frequently as he or she suggests, which is often annually. Diabetes can lead to a variety of different types of eye conditions, but a doctor can help you detect any problems and address them quickly before they develop into more sever conditions like diabetic retinopathy.
If you would like to learn more about this, you can talk to your doctor and your eye doctor. They can help you find additional ways to reduce your risks of developing diabetic retinopathy and other types of eye disorders. You can also find more information by visiting sites like http://www.drgrantmdretinalspecialist.com.
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