The Role of Nutrition in Diabetic Retinopathy Prevention and Management

The Role of Nutrition in Diabetic Retinopathy Prevention and Management

Diabetic retinopathy, a severe complication of diabetes, can lead to partial vision loss and blindness if left untreated. One of the best ways to prevent or manage retinopathy is to reach your target blood sugar levels. Diet and nutrition play a huge role in controlling your blood glucose. What foods should you eat to beat diabetic retinopathy?
 

What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy happens when increased blood sugar levels affect the retina at the back of the eyeball. Diabetes affects the vessels supplying blood to the retina, causing damage that may cause blindness.
 

How Can You Prevent and Manage Diabetic Retinopathy?

Because the cause of retinal damage is high blood sugar, it’s essential to keep your levels under control. You can do this by following your treatment plan, taking your medicines, exercising, and being mindful of your diet and nutrition. After all, foods significantly affect blood sugar levels.
 

What Foods Help Prevent and Manage Retinopathy?

Antioxidants

Antioxidants have a vital role in fighting oxidative stress, a key factor in the development of diabetic retinopathy. Some good sources of antioxidants include dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens. They have antioxidants, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial for eye health. Other sources of antioxidants are citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. They contain high amounts of vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps protect the eyes from damage.
 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

If you want to maintain your eye health even with diabetes, add more omega-3 fatty acids to your diet. A study published in the National Library of Medicine indicates that omega-3 fatty acids are associated with a decreased presence and severity of retinopathy.
 

Sources of omega-3 are fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel. Flaxseed and chia seeds are good options if you’re looking for plant-based sources.
 

Low-Glycemic Index Foods

Choosing low-glycemic index (GI) foods is essential to managing blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of retinopathy. These foods have a slower impact on blood glucose levels, avoiding sudden spikes.
 

Examples of low-GI foods include whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and oats. Legumes, like lentils, chickpeas, and black beans, have a low glycemic index, too.
 

Foods to Avoid

On the other hand, it helps to avoid or cut down on foods that greatly affect your blood sugar levels. These include sweets and sugary drinks. Generally unhealthy foods, like highly processed, fried, and salty foods, should also be avoided or limited.
 

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams

Controlling blood sugar levels through treatment plans and a healthy lifestyle is a crucial part of preventing and managing retinopathy. Nutrition plays a huge role in supporting eye health and minimizing the risks associated with this condition. But there's another critical thing to keep your eyes healthy. That is regular eye checkups. Regular eye exams can help detect diabetic retinopathy early. This allows you to start treatment as early as possible, preventing retinopathy from worsening.
 

Do you have diabetes and are worried about retinopathy? Visit Justice Vision Clinic for expert eye care. Our office is in Duluth, Georgia. Call (770) 626-7883 to book an appointment today.