One of the complications that diabetes can lead to is the condition of the retina. In addition to conventional laser treatment, steps can be taken to prevent visual problems.
Retinopathy is one of the most common complications of diabetic patients.
The basement membrane of the capillaries of the retina presents a thickening, a process that is at the beginning of the formation of atheromatous plaques and that is usually associated with a deposit, mainly of circulating proteins in excess.
This translates into vascular obstruction, production of new vessels, microaneurysms and increased vascular permeability that produces exudates that hinder vision.
The occlusion of small vessels and the formation of small new vessels prone to bleeding also leave areas without vision.
Factors that can increase the problem are hypertension, especially diastolic hypertension (when the minimum is high), and toxic habits, especially tobacco.
A DIET TO PREVENT VISION PROBLEMS IN DIABETES
Conventional treatment is performed by laser, but can be supplemented. Naturopathic medicine, in addition to advising the suppression of toxic habits such as alcohol, coffee and tobacco (if they exist), recommends, contrary to what was previously usual, diets that are not hyperproteic.
In this way, the circulation of an excess of proteins is avoided, especially those of animal origin that are associated with saturated fats.
However, omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, present in walnuts, flax and wheat germ oil, and oily fish can help slow down the process, since the retina is one of the tissues that needs them most.
It also reinforces the idea that cereals and whole grain derivatives are suitable for their slow and protective absorption of the pancreas, and that acidic vegetables and fruits, rich in bioflavonoids (vitamin P) and vitamin C, are abundant in the diet: they are powerful antioxidants and reduce the risk of fragility and vascular permeability, and the possibility of eye clouding.
Among the plants and fruits effective in the ocular complications of diabetes, the most prominent is the blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), for its richness in anthocyanosides, powerful vasoprotective antioxidants that have affinity for the pigment epithelium of the retina.
Something similar happens with the black currant (Ribes nigrum).
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is indicated for its effect on peripheral circulation.
TO DELAY CATARACTS
Cataracts are due to the loss of transparency of the lens, which produces a slow and progressive decrease in vision. Causes include factors such as exposure to ultraviolet light, toxic habits such as smoking, diseases such as diabetes, high myopia or simply age. The sensation is of cloudy vision, out of focus, less vivid colors and glare.
Treatment is surgical and is performed when it affects quality of life and prevents normal activities.
At a preventive level, it is advisable to protect your eyes with sunglasses since childhood, especially in mountain or beach activities, where solar radiation is strong. At the same time, it is necessary to maintain anadequate diet, rich in vitamins (A, B and C) and minerals (zinc, calcium, magnesium and selenium), avoiding as much as possible the toxics, such as alcohol or tobacco.
