Diabetes develops when the body can no longer use food efficiently for energy. In this condition, the system either produces too little insulin or does not respond to it well enough. Insulin is the hormone that moves glucose into the cells, where it can be used as fuel. When glucose stays in the bloodstream instead of entering the cells, it begins to harm the blood vessels and nerves that support every organ, including the eyes.This raises a natural question: can diabetes lead to blindness?To understand how this happens and what people can do to prevent it, we spoke with Dr Arpan Dev Bhattacharya, Consultant in Diabetes and Endocrinology at Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru.Can Diabetes Lead To Blindness?High blood sugar, especially in people living with diabetes, can lead to serious eye problems and even permanent vision loss. When glucose stays elevated for long periods, it harms the fine network of blood vessels that nourish the retina. This injury is known as diabetic retinopathy, a condition that may begin with mild blurring and gradually progress to significant loss of sight if it is not treated in time.Other eye diseases linked to diabetes include diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma, each adding to the risk of visual decline.Dr Arpan Dev Bhattacharya said, “Earliest changes almost always appear in the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. The vessels here are extremely delicate. When sugar levels remain high, these vessels become fragile or start to leak, creating the groundwork for diabetic retinopathy.”Diabetes And Blindness: Early Warning Signs Are Easy to MissDiabetic eye disease often begins without noticeable symptoms. Some early clues include blurred or shifting vision, faded colours, difficulty seeing in low light, or small dark floaters that drift across the field of sight. These symptoms can come and go, which makes people dismiss them. Routine eye exams with dilation remain the most reliable way to detect trouble before vision begins to decline.Blood Sugar Targets That Protect the EyesGood metabolic control offers the strongest defence. For most adults with diabetes, the recommended targets include an HbA1c below 7 percent, fasting glucose between 70 and 130 mg per decilitre, and post-meal readings under 180 mg per decilitre. According to Dr Bhattacharya, keeping blood pressure and cholesterol within recommended ranges also helps lower the risk of retinal complications. Innovative Therapies For TreatmentResearchers are also studying whether certain diabetes medications may offer additional protection. Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist widely used for type 2 diabetes and weight management, has drawn particular interest. Dr Bhattacharya said, “Early studies suggest it may reduce stress on retinal cells and slow processes linked to cell injury. Later reviews show that semaglutide does not significantly raise retinopathy risk when compared with other treatments, and some findings even point toward possible benefits. More clinical trials are underway to define its role.”While new therapies may strengthen prevention strategies, the core advice remains unchanged. Consistent glucose control, regular screening, and timely care provide the best protection against vision loss.
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