Diabetes-related macular edema (DME) is a complication of diabetes that affects your eyes and damages your vision. Regular appointments with your eye doctor are key to managing this condition. But how you take care of yourself at home also makes a real difference.
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with DME, you may still be absorbing what it means. Somehow, without your realizing it, high blood sugar has damaged the blood vessels in your eyes, causing them to leak. Leaked fluids cause swelling in your macula, the part of your eye that controls your central vision. This can lead to progressive vision loss.
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The good news is that DME is treatable. Now that you know what you’re dealing with, you can work with your doctor to stop and possibly reverse some of the damage. Part of this involves regular eye exams and medical treatments. The other, equally important part involves how you take care of yourself at home.
Nutrition is one of the most powerful levers you can pull to affect the outcome of diabetes-related macular edema. You already know that the foods you eat have a huge effect on your blood sugar. Since blood sugar triggers DME, keeping it in check is crucial. There are also certain nutrients in your food that can help to nourish and protect your eyes.
One of the simplest changes you can make to your diet is to add a greater variety of plants, including vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Plants add fiber, which helps to moderate glucose spikes. They’re also great sources of eye-friendly vitamins, like vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E. Look for orange-colored plants, citrus fruits and leafy greens.
While there’s no official diet for diabetes, healthcare providers often suggest the Mediterranean diet as a good option. It focuses on lean and nutrient-dense protein sources like eggs, fish, nuts, seeds and legumes. Many of these are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your blood vessels — including the ones in your eyes.
Diabetes and DME are already a lot to manage. Changing what you eat can feel like a step too many. But you don’t have to reinvent the wheel alone. Consider reaching out to a professional dietitian to help you get started. Consult the diabetes community for recipes and advice. Get the rest of your household involved. It’s fun to experiment and discover new favorite meals with others.
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If you have DME, keeping up with your eye care appointments is essential to prevent vision loss. But diabetes affects you in a multitude of ways, and they all need care. It takes a team of care providers to help you manage the physical, practical and mental toll of diabetes and related vision loss. Remember, you’re not alone — and you’re also a vital part of the team.
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