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.
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
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.