Eye Conditions Can Reveal Signs Of Diabetes, Anything?

Illustration of the condition of eye health which is a sign of diabetes (Freepic)

JAKARTA - Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects blood sugar levels in the body. If not managed properly, diabetes can cause various complications, including visual problems. One of the signs that frequently appear in diabetics is eye problems.

The UK National Health Service (NHS) has issued a warning about diabetes symptoms. Although the exact cause of type 1 diabetes is not yet known, type 2 diabetes is often associated with factors such as excess weight and lack of physical activity. In addition, diabetes can also be reduced in the family.

Like other diseases, the sooner the symptoms of diabetes are recognized, the sooner a person can get medical assistance. Although diabetes does not yet have medication that can cure it, there are various treatments that help manage the symptoms. Therefore, recognizing symptoms early on is very important.

According to NHS, one of the symptoms of diabetes that needs to be watched out for is the problem with the eyes. One of the main signs of diabetes is blurred vision. This is caused by complications called diabetic retinopathy. This can cause blindness if not handled properly.

"Retinopathy of diabetics is a diabetes complication that occurs due to high blood sugar levels that damage the back of the eye (retina). If not diagnosed and treated, this condition can cause blindness. However, it usually takes a few years before diabetic retinopathy reaches a stage that can threaten vision," explained the NHS, as reported by VOI from the Express page on Monday, February 3, 2025.

Anyone suffering from type 1 or type 2 diabetes is at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. This risk increases if a person has the following factors:

- Suffer from diabetes for a long time

- Has persistent high blood sugar levels

- Has high blood pressure

- Have high cholesterol levels

- Pregnant

- Derived from the Asian or Afro-Karibia ethnic background

The NHS recommends keeping blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control can help reduce the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.

In addition to blurred vision, other signs of diabetic retinopathy include:

- The vision is getting worse gradually

- Loss of sight suddenly

- The emergence of shadows or floating shapes in the field of sight (floaters)

- Memorang kemerangan bermata atau tampak berpelik

- Pain or redness in the eyes

- Difficulty seeing in dark conditions

If you experience these symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor. As a precautionary measure, the NHS provides routine eye examinations for diabetics aged 12 years and over to detect diabetic retinopathy from an early age.

In addition to visual impairments, other common symptoms of diabetes include:

- Often urinating

- Feeling persistent thirst

- Easy to get tired

- Loss of weight for no apparent reason

- Itching in the genital area or often having fungal infections (thrush)

- Injured which slowly heals

Recognizing these signs earlier can help diabetics get the right treatment to prevent serious complications.