New research published in the Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders suggests that eating disorders may be associated with diabetic eye issues. The most common eye disease in people with diabetes is retinopathy, where microvascular changes in the retina can result in vision impairment and even blindness.
For the study, researchers from Anglia Ruskin University combined data from several studies, including more than 1,100 participants. They found that people with diabetes who also had an eating disorder were 2.94 times more likely to develop diabetic retinopathy than those with diabetes who did not have the eating disorder.
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Researchers noted that there was no significant link between binge eating disorder, a condition where a person frequently consumes large amounts of food over a short period of time, and diabetic eye issues.
The eating disorders included in this study were anorexia nervosa, a condition where people try to keep their weight as low as possible by exercising or reducing their food intake, and bulimia nervosa, where a person attempts to purge food from the body after eating either by vomiting or using laxatives.
The lead author of the study Mike Trott, said, “We know there are several factors that can regress or accelerate the progression of retinopathy in people living with diabetes. These include physical activity, which is associated with lower risk, and high blood pressure, which can elevate the risk.”
This new study adds another factor in retinopathy in those with diabetes. With a significant association between pathological eating disorders and the risk of diabetic retinopathy, physicians must look for warning signs.
Practitioners are now encouraged to closely monitor eating behaviours in people with diabetes so that any abnormal behaviour can be addressed swiftly to reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy as it may cause consequent blindness if not treated.
Keeping Eyes Healthy and Blood Sugar in Check
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Eye health is a concerning topic in those with diabetes, but other numerous conditions can harm vision, so it is essential to take steps to help support strong, healthy eyes as you age.
20/20 Vision contains a unique formula that includes lutein and zeaxanthin that can help give your eyes the nutritional support they require. Lutein and zeaxanthin are natural pigments called carotenoids that have been shown to protect the eye from oxidative damage caused by ultraviolet light and environmental factors. These essential ingredients can help support macular health and reduce the risk of vision impairment.
Even in people without diabetes, it is important to support and improve blood sugar health. Health Blood Sugar Support has doctor-formulated ingredients that have been shown in human clinical studies to help support healthy blood pressure. In addition, they also support healthy cholesterol levels.
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
