World Diabetes Day: the strong link between vision and the metabolic disease

Diabetes is a chronic condition affecting over 3.9 million people in Italy. It is characterized by high blood sugar levels caused by insulin dysfunction. There are two types of diabetes: Type 1, which appears in childhood and has a genetic origin, and Type 2, which develops in adulthood and is linked to an unhealthy lifestyle.

But what does diabetes have to do with vision? If not properly managed, diabetes can progress, potentially leading to serious consequences, including, in extreme cases, blindness. For this reason, ZEISS Vision Care, a company committed to raising awareness and promoting eye health, has chosen to emphasize this connection.

Indeed, if left untreated, diabetes can progress to severe complications, potentially resulting in blindness. One of the most serious and common complications is diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness, particularly in people of working age (20-65 years). Those affected by this condition must undergo regular eye exams. But prevention is also essential.

“Diabetic retinopathy is a disease that begins to show symptoms only when retinal damage is already advanced, leaving very limited treatment options,” explains Dr. Franco Spedale, Director of the Ophthalmology Department at Chiari Hospital, ASST Franciacorta. “The best strategy is to prevent the damage that diabetes can cause, including damage to the retina. Regular medical check-ups, including eye exams, are therefore crucial.”