Core Secret of Preventing Diabetic Retinopathy!
Suresh Kishanrao
ABSTRACT
It is estimated that around 101 million adults lived with diabetes worldwide, in 2020 and this number is projected to be 150 million in 2025. While Macrovascular complications involve damage to large blood vessels due to chronic hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance, significantly increasing risks of coronary artery disease, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease, Microvascular complications of diabetes are long-term, chronic damage to small blood vessels caused by high blood sugar, affecting eyes, kidneys, and nerves. The primary complications include retinopathy, nephropathy, Neuropathy.
Among the diabetics, nearly 5–7%, approximately 4 to 6 million individuals have either lost their sight or are already at risk of sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy (STDR). Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is often a silent yet steadily rising cause of avoidable blindness in India. As the prevalence of diabetes continues to rise, its ocular complications are emerging as a major public health concern. The concept of “metabolic memory.” highlights that early & intensive sugar control can lead to significant long-term benefits, including reduced risks for microvascular & macrovascular complications.
Maintaining good blood sugar control early in the disease course decreases the risk of severe complications Like Diabetic Retinopathy, Neuropathy and Nephropathy in the future. As there is no single magic pill, comprehensive strategy advocated to minimize the risk includes i) Maintaining good blood sugar control, right from the beginning at T2D onset is critical due to metabolic memory ii) Annual screenings for diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy for early detection and management iii) Effective prevention of complications through a holistic approach including lifestyle modifications & medication adherence
iv) Access to emerging therapies like Intraocular steroids & SGLT2 inhibitors, promise results.
Materials & Methods: This article is based on three anecdotal cases of DR, two needing interventions and an autobiography of this author successfully preventing DR for 35 years
Outcomes: Two of the cases are benefitted one with vitrectomy and laser photocoagulation, second with Ayurvedic treatment. This author the third case has been successfully preventing Retinopathy even after 35 years of onset of diabetes through comprehensive management advocated.
