If you have diabetes, or diabetes mellitus, you probably know how much it can affect your body. We often think of diabetes as just a problem with blood sugar levels. But in reality, it can damage unimaginable parts of our bodies, especially our eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Today, we are going to talk about the serious damage that diabetes can cause to our eyesight. That is a condition called `Diabetic Macular Edema`.
Simply put, what is Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)?
Okay, let's put this simply. About one in ten people with diabetes is likely to develop this condition, `Diabetic Macular Edema` (let's call it DME for short).
Here's how it works: When your blood sugar levels are high and uncontrolled for a long time, it damages the very delicate, tiny blood vessels inside our eyes. It's like a water pipe that corrodes over time and forms holes.
This causes fluid to leak from the damaged blood vessels. This fluid collects on the retina , a part of the eye that is like the film in a camera, where the images we see are recorded.
The most sensitive part of the retina, right in the middle, that helps us see clearly, such as reading a book, recognizing a face, and threading a needle, is called the macula . That leaking fluid collects right in this part called the macula. Then that part swells. That swelling is what we call DME.
Due to this swelling, our sharp, clear vision is lost and vision begins to become blurry.
What are the symptoms of DME?
If you feel these things, they could be symptoms of DME.
- Blurred vision: A feeling of looking through a fog. It becomes difficult to read books or watch TV.
- Seeing double: Feeling as if you are seeing two images instead of one.
- A sudden increase in floaters: A sudden increase in the appearance of small black dots or balls of thread floating in front of the eyes is also a symptom.
If you have diabetes and experience any of these symptoms, it is very important to see your doctor immediately and have your eyes checked.
How can I control this condition by changing my lifestyle?
The good news is that the progression of DME can be largely controlled by making a few simple lifestyle changes. Your doctor will advise you to follow these steps while you are receiving treatment.
The key here is to eat a nutritious diet, get enough exercise, maintain a healthy weight, avoid smoking, and especially keep your blood sugar and blood pressure under control .
Exercise is the best thing you can do for your eyes!
Research has shown that exercise is very beneficial for eye health. Exercise can also help control the progression of DME.
Think about it, when you exercise, your blood circulation increases. This increases the amount of blood that reaches the retina inside the eye. This means that that part gets the oxygen and nutrients it needs. This helps to heal damaged blood vessels and prevent new damage.
How much exercise do you need?
You can get the most out of your eyes by getting at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week (that's 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week).
- Fast walking
- Cycling
- Water aerobics
- Dance
- Anything like gardening is good.
But there's something very important. If you're new to exercising, it's essential to talk to your doctor first and ask what exercises are right for you and how long you should do them.
Controlling blood pressure is essential!
When you have diabetes, you are also more likely to develop high blood pressure. This high blood pressure can make your DME condition worse. Because high blood pressure also damages those delicate blood vessels. So when diabetes and high blood pressure are combined, the damage to the eyes doubles or triples.
Therefore, keeping your blood pressure at the right level is a must.
| Tips for controlling blood pressure | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Losing weight | If you're overweight, losing weight is one of the best ways to lower your blood pressure. Even losing 10 pounds (about 4.5 kg) can make a big difference. |
| Alcohol restriction | Excessive alcohol consumption directly affects high blood pressure. Try to limit yourself to one standard drink per day. |
| Exercising regularly | In addition to things like walking and cycling, adding some weightlifting can be a great help in controlling blood pressure. Ask your doctor for advice on this as well. |
| Reducing stress | When you are stressed, hormones in your body cause your blood vessels to temporarily narrow. This can cause your blood pressure to rise. Prolonged stress can lead to unhealthy habits (eating too much, not getting enough sleep) that can be detrimental to your health. Try calming yourself down with things like deep breathing exercises and meditation. |
Two other important things to remember
1. Quit smoking completely.
Smoking poisons every blood vessel in our body. Diabetes and high blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the eyes even more. So if you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your eyes.
2. Blood sugar levels are the key
The root cause of everything we've talked about is diabetes, which means uncontrolled blood sugar levels. Therefore, it's important to take the medication your doctor prescribes on time, control your diet, and check your blood sugar levels regularly.
While doing all this, be aware of any small changes in your eyes. If you notice any changes, seek medical advice without delay.
Take-Home Message
- Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) is a condition caused by diabetes that can seriously affect vision.
- Simple changes to your lifestyle can significantly control the worsening of this condition.
- Regular exercise, controlling blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking are essential.
- The most important thing of all is to properly control your blood sugar levels.
- Always consult your doctor for advice regarding your health condition or before starting a new exercise routine.
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