Posted on 06/20/2023 9:21:44 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
Nearly 10 million Americans are at risk for blindness from diabetic retinopathy, a study finds.
In 2021, an estimated 9.6 million people in the United States—26% of those with diabetes—had the eye illness and nearly 2 million had the most severe form, "vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy" (VTDR), researchers say. That's 5% of those with diabetes.
Diabetic retinopathy affects small blood vessels in the eye, explained Dr. Talia Kaden.
"The small vessels in the eye can become damaged and abnormal, you can have a loss of blood supply to parts of the eye that can result in swelling in the back of the eye, bleeding in the back of the eye or the formation of abnormal blood vessels," she said. "If left unchecked, it can lead to vision loss."
An estimated 1 in 4 Americans aged 40 and older have diabetes-related eye disease.
Among those 24 and under, more than 1 in 10 with diabetes had diabetic retinopathy as did nearly 1 in 5 among those 25 to 39 years of age.
Rates of diabetic retinopathy also varied by state from a low of 21% in Nevada to a high of 34% in Hawaii.
While prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and VTDR increased with age, the researchers noted that it decreased in older age. That's likely because these eye diseases are markers for more severe diabetes, which can lead to early death, they added.
"Every diabetic really should be seen by an ophthalmologist annually," Kaden said. "If there is something wrong in terms of whether or not they have new blood vessels formed or swelling, the frequency of visits can range from annually to every month."
There are some very effective treatments, she said, part of the reason it's so important for patients with diabetes to be seen regularly by a retina specialist.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
Yah, but they keep pushing Canola Oil, margarine, sugar, bread, and spaghetti! They WANT us sick and broke. Can’t march on Washington that way.
that is something I do do....see the eye doctor every year...and the dentist twice a year....I have to push myself to go see my “regular” doctor....
Is there anything at all that a study won’t find?
“Is there anything at all that a study won’t find?”.
The objective truth?
CC
bump for reference
“Please get a screening done with an ophthalmologist.”
That’s a good start, but you really want a retinologist (believe it or not, that sub-specialty does exist). If you have Medicare or good insurance, go to the best!
“Yah, but they keep pushing Canola Oil, margarine, sugar, bread, and spaghetti! They WANT us sick and broke. Can’t march on Washington that way.”
Yep, literally EVERYTHING says stay away from carbs (and seed oils), and stay away more, the sicker you are. As best as I can tell, our food has changed, and not for the better.
That’s what I do. Ophthalmologist wants to see me twice a year, but I usually cancel one of the appointments he sets up.
Ditto for my PCP. She holds refilling my Eliquis prescription over my head to get me in even once.
Generally, I distrust doctors since Covid. Ten years ago, who know there’d be such a huge adversarial relationship between patients and doctors? It was creeping in then with Obamacare, but now...
“they keep pushing Canola Oil”
That’s bad now? I must’ve missed that one. What’s it’s healthier replacement?
Butter. Olive oil. Avocado oil. Coconut oil.
However, a lot of what is marketed as these is not. Olive oil in particular is often faked.
Avoid the seed oils: “vegetable”, canola, etc. These are highly processed, inflammatory omega 6 oils.
“Butter. Olive oil. Avocado oil. Coconut oil.”
Thanks. I use a LOT of butter. Never tried avocado or coconut oil, but will try them. Olive oil tastes nasty to me but might use more when it can be disguised well with spices.
Let me ask... Within the last year it seems I have acquired like a film of my eyes that slightly blur vision. A quick run of the eyes and I see clearly but then at times I can actually see the blur film come back!! It’s like wtf is that!??
Over my eyes*
Let me ask... Within the last year it seems I have acquired like a film over my eyes that slightly blur vision. A quick rub of the eyes and I see clearly but then at times I can actually see the blur film come back!! It’s like wtf is that!??
Do not post to me.
Avocado oil is great with its higher smoke point, does not dominate flavors, almost tasteless.
Walk into the grocery and notice that probably 85% of the food will raise blood glucose.
I’m a type 2. Just had the most thorough measurements taken prior to cataract surgery this last Monday. No trace of diabetic retinopathy, thank heavens.
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