This topic is one of the most devastating to write about because we underestimate the damage to our organs that can be caused by high blood sugar levels. As a registered dietitian nutritionist, I have to take this opportunity to educate you on Diabetes mellitus (DM). This is a health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Blood sugar levels rise mostly because of insulin resistance and can damage many vital organs. There are delicate blood vessels in your eyes which can be damaged by high blood sugar levels, leading to an increased risk of vision problems and even blindness if left untreated. Proper management and lifestyle choices can save your eyesight.
There are three types of DM:
Type 1, where your body cannot produce insulin and therefore you need it externally. This is not as common as the other types of diabetes.
Type 2, where insulin resistance affects the ability of insulin to manage blood sugar levels effectively.
Gestational DM, which is when pregnant women develop high blood sugar levels during pregnancy, which can sometimes affect the child’s development and can continue to affect the mother after birth.
Type 2 and gestational DM are both reversible and lifestyle-impacted, whereas type 1 DM can be managed with lifestyle intervention. There is nothing to fear upon diagnosis when you learn and become aware of the condition and that eating habits directly impact blood sugar levels. The risk factors for type 2 and gestational DM are as follows:
a) ↓Obesity and high amounts of visceral fat in your body.
b) A sedentary lifestyle.
c) Unhealthy eating habits.
d) ↓Unhealthy habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
e) Family history.
f) ↓Other conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.
g) Age can be another factor.
Unfortunately, there are no real signs and symptoms of diabetes. The only way to be diagnosed is through blood tests. A fasting blood sugar level of 100 mg/dl is within normal ranges, and HbA1c can be used for diagnosis as well, and your numbers should be <5.7. This means that you can live with diabetes for years and not know, but the damage is still being done. It’s not obvious when someone has developed diabetes. Screening is essential, and I always recommend that my clients know their numbers so that we can address them with nutrition.
Eye-related symptoms often appear only after significant damage has already occurred. Early detection allows treatment to begin before permanent damage occurs. Sometimes, a diagnosis can be discovered because of eye testing.
The good news is that diabetes can often be prevented or effectively managed through lifestyle changes. My clients learn how to eat to balance their blood sugar levels by including foods that can protect eye health. These are not limited to vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and anti-inflammatory foods. My favourite local foods that help to manage blood sugar levels include cucumber, bell peppers, tomato, and pumpkin for vegetables; local sweet potato, potato, and plantain for staples; watermelon, pineapple, and mango for fruits; and chicken and turkey for meat. Nuts and seeds support healthy fats and fibre.
No single food item can reverse diabetes, but a combination of healthy lifestyle changes that are created for your body can, with my guidance. Managing diabetes also involves regular monitoring of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Healthy lifestyle habits remain the foundation of treatment. Routine eye examinations are critical for detecting early signs of diabetic eye disease and preventing vision loss. Understanding the types of diabetes, recognising risk factors, and maintaining a healthy diet can greatly reduce complications.
Candida Khan, MSc RD also known as Didi, is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
She is also the CEO of Didi’s Nutrition Consultancy (didisnutritionconsultancy.com)
