Diabetes is a condition where there is too much sugar in the blood, which can be very bad for the blood vessels. If you’ve been having trouble controlling your condition, it could lead to further problems.

When you go to an optician, the optometrist can examine your eyes for symptoms of damage caused by high blood sugar levels. Specsavers’ clinical service director, Giles Edmonds, warned about diabetic retinopathy.

“In its early stages diabetic retinopathy usually doesn’t pose any noticeable symptoms,” he stated. “o an eye test can pick it up before you do.”

If you see any of the warning signs listed below, it’s vital to get your diabetes under control to avoid vision loss.

Mr. Edmonds cautions against recurrent floaters, which he describes as “spots in your vision.”

They usually appear “like black or grey specs or cobwebs that drift about when you move your eyes.”

Mr. Edmonds went on: “Most people will experience floaters in their vision at some point in their life.

“Particularly as we reach older age as the jelly-like substance in our eyes becomes more liquid.”

However, if you notice more eye floaters than normal, or if new ones appear suddenly, you should see a doctor.

This is also true if you see flashes of light in your eye or dark spots on the edges of your vision.

Mr Edmonds said, “You must get it looked at immediately as, in some cases, it can be a symptom of diabetic retinopathy.”

Blurred vision is another possible indication of diabetic retinopathy.

Mr Edmonds explained, “High blood sugar levels damage tiny blood vessels in the eye that sense light, which can result in blurry vision.”

“Blurry vision can also be a symptom of diabetes which can resolve when blood sugars start to reduce after diagnosis and starting treatment.”

Diabetic retinopathy can also cause blurry vision, almost like “wearing sunglasses”.

“If you’re struggling to see when it’s dark, it’s an important sign not to ignore,” Mr. Edmonds said.

For people over 40, digital retinal photography “takes a detailed picture of the back of your eye allowing the blood vessels to be monitored more closely”.

“[This helps] to detect any signs of diabetes that might be present.”

Diabetic retinopathy is just one of the health problems that can come up if you don’t take care of your type 2 diabetes.

Cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney problems, and hearing loss are all possible health dangers.

If you are experiencing signs of high blood sugar, consult with your diabetes care team to get ahead of your diabetes.

High blood sugar symptoms, according to the CDC, include:

• Increased Thirst, hunger, and urination
• Fatigue
• Recurrent thrush infections
• Unprecedented weight loss.

Image Credit: Getty

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