Can I Have Diabetes and Get Cataracts?
Are you a diabetic? Do you worry about your diabetes affecting your vision?
As we age, we worry about our eye health and developing different conditions. If you or a loved one have diabetes, it could cause you to worry you even more.
By being a diabetic, it means that you are more likely to develop eye conditions earlier on. Keep reading to learn about why you’re more likely to develop cataracts with diabetes!
What’s the connection between diabetes and cataracts?
Adults diagnosed with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts earlier on. Cataracts are a common eye condition for adults to develop in their forties and fifties.
By being diabetic, you’re more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age. Part of the reason for this is because of spikes in blood sugar.
These blood sugar spikes can create cataracts earlier. Cataracts are a build-up of proteins on the lens. These blood sugar spikes typically occur between the ages of 20 and 70 years old.
Cataracts usually develop between ages 40-60. Most people with cataracts don’t need surgery right away as they take time to develop. Yes, if you’re a diabetic, you can absolutely have diabetes and get cataracts as well.
Want to prevent cataracts from developing earlier? Keep your blood sugar levels in check. Managing your diabetes is key to staying healthy.
How can I prevent cataracts from developing?
Managing your diabetes is key to having good eye health. There are many things you can do to prevent cataracts. They include:
Eating A Healthy Diet
Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle is necessary if you want to keep your eyes healthy. This should include enjoying a balanced diet for a healthy body.
Food that is high in fiber is good at maintaining your blood sugar levels. Keep your blood sugar levels under control by eating enough foods with whole grains.
Get Regular Exercise
Having an active lifestyle is important for staying healthy. The only way to stay healthy is to exercise on a regular basis.
And for those with diabetes, regular exercise can keep your blood sugar under control. Make sure to also stay at a normal weight and avoid being overweight.
Being overweight or obese can make your body more sensitive to insulin. Insulin helps manage blood sugar levels for diabetics.
Participating in aerobic and/or resistance training helps control diabetes. To stay healthy, exercising at least three times per week for a minimum of 30 minutes a day is a must.
Managing Your Weight
Patients with diabetes often have trouble losing and managing their weight. If you have diabetes, it is important to work hard to manage your weight.
It may be difficult but you should not become overweight or obese. Also, if you are overweight, it is important that you try to lose weight.
Maintaining a healthy weight is important for being healthy.
Get Frequent Eye Exams
The best way to keep your eyes healthy is to get frequent eye exams. When you have diabetes, you need to follow the schedule for eye exams that your doctor sets.
Getting frequent eye exams are the best way to diagnose and manage eye conditions tied to diabetes. Regular eye exams help with early detection, prevention, and managing different eye conditions.
Having diabetes can increase your chances of developing other eye conditions, including cataracts. Managing your diabetes is important in preventing other eye conditions from developing.
Do you think it’s time to get a comprehensive eye exam? Schedule one at Complete EyeCare West in Columbus, OH with one of our talented ophthalmologists!
