Diabetic retinopathy is a blinding complication occurred due to diabetes. The high sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels that supply blood consistently to the retina of the human eye. Although, it affects a majority of the diabetic people, only 10% of them suffer from vision loss. Preventing vision loss is possible if both the ophthalmologist and the patient work as a team. The first step is finding the stage of the retinopathy, which is possible by carrying out eye examination.
Symptoms
Diabetic retinopathy hardly displays any signs. One can experience symptoms only when the retinopathy progresses into stage III. Under such conditions, an individual suffers from:
- Distorted vision
- Difficulty in reading
- Increase in number of eye floaters
- Eye pain
- Partial or total loss of vision.
Diabetic Retinopathy Supplements
According to Dr. Chous, a representative at the National Institutes of Health, the availability of several compounds and nutrients provided an opportunity to see success in reducing the progression of diabetic retinopathy. The trials consisted of using single nutrients. Based on this, the team moved ahead into more something substantial – using a multi-component nutritional supplement.
Dr. Chous and his team performed a 6-month research in 67 patients suffering from type I and type II diabetes. All the patients had nil or mild to moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Furthermore, when studied intensely at the baseline, there were no significant differences.
The team offered a supplement consisting of nutrients and vitamins tied to inhibiting the retinopathy. For example, it included benfotiamine that is a lipid-soluble analog derived from vitamin B1. The component was successful in driving away the development of glucose metabolites that had a significant role to play in the development of diabetic retinopathy. Other ingredients included lipoic acid, curcumin extract, vitamin D3, Pycnogenol, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
At the end of the research, the participants consuming the supplement displayed better visual functionality. They even had an increase in serum lipid measurements along with significant perfections in diabetic retinopathy symptoms.
The unit is now examining the use of supplements to reverse vision loss or advanced symptoms displayed by stage III diabetic retinopathy patients.
Diet and Nutrition for Diabetic Retinopathy
Apart from supplements alone, the following plan of diet and nutrition also helps in preventing the advancement of diabetic retinopathy. It includes:
Juices – Fresh and organic juices made of asparagus, garlic, ginger, spinach, artichokes, celery, parsley, pumpkin, cabbage, raspberries, carrots, and chlorophyll.
Water – Increased intake of water that helps in managing both sugar and cholesterol levels.
Fish – Consumption of cold water fish, which includes sardines, salmon, and mackerel at least three times a week.
Fiber – Use of food that is rich in fiber is good for diabetic retinopathy.
Vegetables – Consumption of natural products that help in improving digestion.
Nutrients – Use of a few nutrients such as Gymnema Sylvestre, enzymes, fish oil, vanadyl sulfate, and others will help in diabetic retinopathy.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes also help in lowering the diabetic retinopathy symptoms. These include:
- Avoiding cortisone
- Limiting medications
- Adding exercises
- Managing weight with the help of diet control
- Participating in yoga
- Working closely with the doctor who is looking over the diabetic condition
Diagnosis
Diagnosing the presence of diabetic retinopathy will be helpful in preventing the progression. Although it is not possible to detect in its early stage, it is advisable for diabetic patients to attend eye examinations yearly. Monitoring the activity will provide the opportunity for the ophthalmologist to understand the situation and attend to it in the required manner. It includes the use of supplements, diet changes, and lifestyle changes.
In the worst scenario, the ophthalmologist will opt for the conventional treatment that includes laser treatment and use of eye injections.
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