{"id":3204,"date":"2023-08-16T14:31:23","date_gmt":"2023-08-16T03:31:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lifeprogram.org.au\/?p=3204"},"modified":"2024-02-15T10:00:14","modified_gmt":"2024-02-14T23:00:14","slug":"canprediabetesaffectvisionlevels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lifeprogram.org.au\/health-hub\/canprediabetesaffectvisionlevels\/","title":{"rendered":"Can pre-diabetes affect vision? Protect your vision from pre-diabetes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Introduction<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pre-diabetes can impact the health of your eyes. High blood glucose levels can damage the blood vessels at the back of the eyes, a process that can start at pre-diabetes and early diagnosis of diabetes. In this article we’ll look at how pre-diabetes affects vision as well as how pre-diabetes and pre-diabetes-related vision problems can be prevented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is pre-diabetes?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pre-diabetes is a condition<\/a> where blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Having pre-diabetes increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by between 10 and 20 times. However, this can be prevented or delayed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does pre-diabetes develop?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When we eat or drink, glucose (sugar) enters the bloodstream and the hormone insulin is released by the pancreas so that glucose can be used by the muscles for energy or fuel. Pre-diabetes develops when the body cannot do this effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who\u2019s at risk of pre-diabetes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The exact cause of pre-diabetes is unknown, but the risk factors are similar to those for type 2 diabetes. They can be split into two groups: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. modifiable (meaning that they can be changed)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. non-modifiable (meaning that they can\u2019t be changed).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n


    Modifiable risk factors include your weight, your diet and the amount of exercise you do. Non-modifiable risk factors include your age, ethnicity and your family medical history. A more detailed list can be found     here<\/a>.

    According to Diabetes Australia, two million Australians have pre-diabetes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Understanding pre-diabetes: the link between blood glucose and vision health<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    High blood glucose levels can damage the blood vessels at the back of the eyes, a process that can start at pre-diabetes and early diabetes. This may allow fluid to leak from the vessels and cause swelling. Alternatively, the blood vessels may bleed directly into the eye, causing high pressure or scarring. High blood glucose can also alter eye tissue, temporarily blurring vision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To avoid serious problems with your vision, it\u2019s very important to manage your blood glucose levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Vision problems that are commonly associated with pre-diabetes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Diabetic retinopathy<\/strong>
    Retinopathy<\/a> is damage to the retina, the part of the eye that converts light into signals that the brain interprets as vision. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood glucose levels weaken the capillaries (small blood vessels) in the retina, causing abnormal blood vessels to form. These may bleed or leak fluid. Over time, this can result in scar tissue and blindness. Research has shown that nearly 8% of people develop diabetic retinopathy during the pre-diabetic stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Diabetic macular oedema<\/strong> (DMO)<\/strong>
    This is a complication of diabetic retinopathy. It occurs when fluid builds up on the retina and causes swelling of the macula, the part of the retina that handles detailed vision. This results in blurry vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Diabetic cataracts<\/strong>
    High blood glucose levels can increase the risk of developing cataracts, which affect the eye\u2019s lens, causing clouded vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Glaucoma<\/strong>
    People with high blood glucose levels have twice the risk of developing glaucoma, a word for a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve and result in blindness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Blurred vision can be a symptom of pre-diabetes and diabetes. If you notice your vision changing, it is important to get your blood glucose levels tested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Detecting pre-diabetes: early warning signs and symptoms for vision problems<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Pre-diabetes often has no warning signs or symptoms<\/a>. However, high blood glucose levels can lead to pre-diabetes, and its symptoms include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n