Prevention of Diabetic Retinopathy

The longer a person has diabetes the greater the risk of them developing diabetes.  The best ways to reduce the probability of developing retinopathy, if you have diabetes are:

• Know your ABCs: A1C (blood glucose), Blood pressure (BP), and Cholesterol numbers.
• Take your medicines as prescribed by your doctor.
• See team of doctors annual (Foot, Eye, Pharmacist, Physician)
• Monitor your blood sugar daily.
• Reach and stay at a healthy weight.
• Get regular physical activity.
• Quit smoking.

Click here for helpful resources on diabetes management:

Patient Tool Kit (Diabetes Management)

NMA Vision Focus Tool Kit

The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) showed that better control of blood sugar level slows the onset and progression of retinopathy and lessens the need for laser surgery for severe retinopathy.

The study found that the group that tried to keep their blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible also had much less kidney and nerve disease. This level of blood sugar control may not be best for everyone, including some older adults, children under 13, or people with heart disease. So ask your doctor if this program is right for you.

Information courtesy National Eye Institute (NEI).