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Nutrition and Diabetic Retinopathy

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Handbook of Nutrition and Ophthalmology

Part of the book series: Nutrition and Health ((NH))

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Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus that can lead to substantial visual loss and blindness. As noted in Chapter 4, the prevalence of diabetes is projected to increase worldwide as a result of the obesity epidemic, and it is anticipated that there will be an accompanying increase in diabetic retinopathy and related visual impairment and blindness. A large portion of diabetes can be linked to obesity and poor nutrition. The relationships between specific nutrient deficiencies and diabetic retinopathy have not been consistently demonstrated. Current theories of the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy include the role of oxidative stress in the upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor, with subsequent increase in vascular permeability and stimulation of neovascularization. Diabetes can be prevented among high-risk individuals by lifestyle changes that include the adoption of healthy diets combined with moderate exercise. Among those with diabetes, glycemic control and control of hypertension can reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy.

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(2007). Nutrition and Diabetic Retinopathy. In: Handbook of Nutrition and Ophthalmology. Nutrition and Health. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59259-979-0_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59259-979-0_5

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-58829-196-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59259-979-0

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