Every November, we recognize Diabetes Awareness Month, a time dedicated to spreading awareness about diabetes and its impact on millions of people worldwide. With more than 37 million Americans living with diabetes and an additional 96 million adults with prediabetes, it’s essential to shed light on this chronic condition and the complications that can arise from it. Among these complications is diabetic eye disease, a group of vision-related problems that can severely impact quality of life if left untreated. This month is a crucial opportunity to educate, prevent, and promote healthier living for those affected by diabetes.

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. Normally, the body breaks down most of the food you eat into glucose (a type of sugar) and releases it into your bloodstream. When blood sugar levels rise, the pancreas releases insulin, which helps glucose enter the body’s cells to be used for energy.

In people with diabetes, this process doesn’t work as it should:

  • Type 1 Diabetes: The body doesn’t produce insulin, often due to an autoimmune reaction.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: The body doesn’t use insulin properly, leading to insulin resistance. This is the most common form of diabetes and is often linked to lifestyle factors.
  • Gestational Diabetes: This type of diabetes occurs during pregnancy and usually resolves after the baby is born, but it increases the mother’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Living with diabetes requires careful monitoring of blood sugar levels, maintaining a healthy diet, staying physically active, and sometimes using medication or insulin therapy.

Diabetic Eye Disease: A Major Complication of Diabetes

One of the most serious complications of diabetes is diabetic eye disease, which refers to a group of eye conditions that can affect people with diabetes. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to vision loss or even blindness. November is a great time to spread awareness about these conditions, encourage regular eye exams, and highlight steps to protect vision.

  1. Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common form of diabetic eye disease and occurs when high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the part of the eye that senses light and sends signals to the brain. Over time, these damaged blood vessels can leak, swell, or close off entirely, impairing vision.

There are two stages of diabetic retinopathy:

  • Early Diabetic Retinopathy: Also known as non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), this early stage occurs when the walls of the blood vessels weaken, causing tiny bulges or microaneurysms. Fluid may leak into the retina, leading to swelling and blurry vision.
  • Advanced Diabetic Retinopathy: In this proliferative stage, the retina begins to grow new, abnormal blood vessels that can easily leak blood into the vitreous (the clear, gel-like substance that fills the eye). This can lead to scar tissue, further complications, and significant vision loss.
  1. Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)

Diabetic macular edema is a complication of diabetic retinopathy that occurs when fluid leaks into the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision. This swelling can blur vision and distort central vision, making tasks like reading or recognizing faces difficult. DME is a leading cause of vision loss among people with diabetic retinopathy.

  1. Cataracts

While cataracts—clouding of the eye’s lens—are common in the general aging population, people with diabetes tend to develop cataracts at a younger age and at a faster rate. The excess sugar in the bloodstream can accumulate in the lens of the eye, leading to clouding and vision impairment.

  1. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is another eye condition that affects people with diabetes more frequently than the general population. It occurs when pressure builds up in the eye, damaging the optic nerve. Over time, this damage can lead to irreversible vision loss. People with diabetes are twice as likely to develop glaucoma as those without.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Diabetic Eye Disease

One of the challenges of diabetic eye disease is that it often has no noticeable symptoms in its early stages. This means that many people with diabetic retinopathy or macular edema may not realize they have a problem until their vision begins to deteriorate. Here are some common symptoms to watch for:

  • Blurry or fluctuating vision
  • Difficulty seeing at night
  • Dark or empty areas in your vision
  • Colors appearing faded or washed out
  • Seeing spots, floaters, or flashes of light
  • Sudden vision loss (in advanced stages)

Because diabetic eye disease can develop without symptoms, regular comprehensive eye exams are essential for people with diabetes. Eye doctors can detect early signs of these conditions before they cause significant damage.

Preventing and Managing Diabetic Eye Disease

The good news is that diabetic eye disease can often be prevented or managed with the right care and lifestyle choices. Here are some essential tips for protecting your vision if you have diabetes:

  1. Control Blood Sugar Levels: Keeping your blood sugar within a healthy range is the most important step in preventing diabetic eye disease. High blood sugar levels damage blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the eyes.
  2. Manage Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: High blood pressure and cholesterol can increase the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy and other eye diseases. Work with your healthcare provider to keep these levels in check.
  3. Get Regular Eye Exams: It’s recommended that people with diabetes have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. During this exam, the eye doctor will look for any signs of diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, cataracts, or glaucoma.
  4. Stop Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of many diabetes-related complications, including diabetic eye disease. Quitting smoking can help protect your eyes and overall health.
  5. Be Physically Active: Regular physical activity can help you control blood sugar, manage weight, and reduce the risk of developing complications like diabetic eye disease.
  6. Follow Your Treatment Plan: If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy or another eye condition, follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations closely. This may include medications, laser therapy, or other procedures to preserve your vision.

Raising Awareness and Supporting Research

Diabetes Awareness Month is an opportunity to educate individuals about the serious complications that diabetes can cause, including diabetic eye disease. It’s also a time to highlight the importance of early detection and the need for research to develop better treatments and ultimately, a cure for diabetes.

Many organizations are dedicated to supporting people with diabetes, funding research, and raising awareness about diabetic eye disease. By getting involved—whether through donations, community events, or simply sharing information—you can help promote better health outcomes for people living with diabetes.

Diabetes affects millions of people worldwide, and diabetic eye disease is one of the most serious complications that can arise from this condition. By understanding the risks, recognizing the early signs, and taking proactive steps to manage your health, you can protect your vision and maintain a higher quality of life.

This Diabetes Awareness Month, take the time to educate yourself and those around you about the importance of regular eye exams and good diabetes management. Early detection can make all the difference in preserving your sight and ensuring long-term health.