Dealing with diabetes is not easy, it comes with different complications relating to eyes, nerves, kidneys and other body parts. Here are few tips for eye care during diabetes.

Do not take your diabetes lightly for it may start affecting other body parts if not controlled.

Let us understand first about diabetes and diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetes is a health condition that lasts for long. It is caused when the pancreas are not functioning properly to release adequate insulin. This leads to an increase in the blood sugar levels.

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition which occurs when high blood sugars damage the tiny blood vessels in the eyes. High blood sugar can also lead to cataracts and glaucoma. It is of utmost importance to take eye care seriously if you have diabetes. There are different stages of diabetic retinopathy:

• Stage 1: mild non proliferative diabetic retinopathy
• Stage 2: moderate non proliferative diabetic retinopathy
• Stage 3: severe non proliferative diabetic retinopathy
• Stage 4: proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy cannot be reversed but it can be stabilized with treatment.Things that can be done for eye care especially if you are a diabetic are:

1. Visit your doctor at least once a year: Regular doctor visits are important (at least once a year) so that they can detect any problem at an early stage and give precautionary measures.
2. Keep your sugar levels in check: Diabetic retinopathy becomes worse when the blood sugars are out of range. Make sure to follow all measures to keep your blood sugar levels in control as it has a direct impact on your eyes too. Monitor HbA1c levels twice a year (it gives a 2-3-month average of blood sugar levels).
3. Try Grape Seed Extract: Grape Seed Extract is a great concentrated source of antioxidant. It has phytonutrients which help to prevent oxidative damage by scavenging free radicals. It helps to reduce inflammation and gives a positive support with diabetic retinopathy. Results of randomized trial done in 2019 where oral Grape Seed Extract was given to for 1 year showed improved hard exudates in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. BestSource Nutrition's grape seed extract is standardized and guarantees high quality. Since every individual is different with different requirements, suggest taking grape seed extract after consulting a healthcare support/dietitian.
4. Adapt to a good lifestyle: Eat clean and pertain to a diabetic friendly eating pattern. Move more often - Physical activity of any form would help in stabilizing blood sugars and preventing sugar spikes. Try to break the sedentary lifestyle pattern. Hydrate and meditate to throw the stress away. Start with little changes and you will be surprised with your progress.
5. Keep high blood pressure and cholesterol under check: Not only diabetes but diseases of the metabolic syndrome (high B.P, cholesterol, etc) can also have an adverse effect on eye health. If you have these co morbidities, please be careful and take more care to keep it in control. Too much low-density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol) can lead to blood vessel damage.

Your health is of utmost priority, do not take it for granted. Start with basic changes in your lifestyle and you will be good to go!