4 Lifestyle Changes to Consider During Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month

Home » Blog » 4 Lifestyle Changes to Consider During Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month

Posted by: Missouri Eye Institute in Blog on November 1, 2024

Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month serves as a crucial reminder of the increased risk of blinding eye diseases that those with diabetes may be faced with. Conditions like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts are more common in diabetics, yet many people don’t know about these dangers to their vision.

This lack of knowledge means many people may not be taking the necessary steps to protect their vision. Keep reading to learn four key lifestyle changes that can significantly impact eye health for those living with diabetes!

1. Make Dietary Changes To Help Protect Your Vision

A balanced diet plays an important role in managing diabetes and protecting your eyes. Foods rich in vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids are particularly beneficial for eye health. Dark leafy greens like spinach and kale, colorful fruits and vegetables, and fatty fish such as salmon and tuna should feature prominently in your meals.

Consider swapping refined carbohydrates for whole grains to help stabilize blood sugar levels. It’s also important to consider limiting your intake of sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars.

These can cause inflammation and blood vessel damage, potentially making any eye problems even worse. Staying hydrated is also important, as proper hydration supports overall eye function.

2. Incorporate More Physical Activity Into Your Routine

Regular exercise is an essential tool for managing diabetes and helping your entire body, including your eyes, stay healthy. Physical activity helps control blood sugar levels, reduces inflammation, and improves circulation.

All of these can benefit your eyes. Aim for at least an hour or an hour and a half of moderate-intensity activity per week. As always, it’s important to check with your primary care provider first.

You don’t need to run marathons to see benefits. Even walking, swimming, or cycling can be excellent options.

Everyday activities like gardening or housework can also help contribute to your exercise goals. The key is consistency.

3. Make Sure to Manage Your Blood Sugar Levels

Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is crucial for preventing and managing diabetic eye disease. Regular monitoring is the foundation of good blood sugar control.

Work with your primary care doctor or endocrinologist to determine how often you should check your levels and what your target range should be.

It’s also a good idea to learn how to recognize the signs of high and low blood sugar. Have a plan in place for addressing these fluctuations ahead of time.

This might involve adjusting your diet, activity level, or medication as directed by your doctor. It’s also important to ensure you are taking any prescribed medications.

If you’re having trouble remembering to take your medication, consider setting alarms or using a pill organizer. Consistency in your daily routine can also help stabilize blood sugar levels.

Try to eat meals and snacks at regular times and maintain a consistent sleep schedule.

4. Reduce Your Stress

Stress can have a significant impact on diabetes management and, thus, eye health. High stress levels can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar and may make it harder to stick to your diabetes management plan.

Consider incorporating stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine. Meditation or gentle yoga can help manage stress.

Even a few minutes of mindful breathing each day can make a difference.

It’s also a good idea to prioritize your sleep. Aim for an average of eight hours per night.

The Importance of Regular Diabetic Eye Exams

While lifestyle changes are crucial for managing diabetic eye disease, they’re not a substitute for your medical care. Regular eye exams are vital for early detection and treatment of diabetes-related eye problems.

During a diabetic eye exam, your eye doctor at Missouri Eye Institute can detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, or cataracts before you notice any symptoms.

Early detection often leads to more effective treatment and less chance of vision loss. At Missouri Eye Institute, our team of experienced eye care professionals specializes in comprehensive diabetic eye care.

Is it time for you to have a diabetic eye exam? Schedule an appointment at Missouri Eye Institute in Springfield, MO, today!