According to the CDC, 38 million Americans have diabetes. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is the most common, accounting for 90% to 95% of cases. It's also more prevalent in aging individuals, often developing in those 45 or older.
Diabetes is bad enough on its own, given its highly unpleasant, even dangerous symptoms (e.g., slow-healing sores prone to infections). It can also result in complications, such as eye damage.
Diabetes and cataracts, for instance, can go hand in hand, especially without adequate management of the former.
To that end, The Palms at Bonaventure, our vibrant senior living community in the picturesque and serene coastal city of Ventura, CA, created this informative guide. Please read on as we've shared aging wellness tips and insights into diabetes, cataracts, and vision changes in seniors.
The National Eye Institute says that with diabetes, the likelihood of getting cataracts, which are a clouding of the eyes' natural lenses, is two to five times higher. It can also increase a person's risk of diabetic retinopathy and likelihood of developing cataracts at a younger age. Both eye problems are leading causes of vision loss and blindness in individuals with diabetes.
Here's how diabetes can lead or contribute to cataract development.
Hyperglycemia, a condition that refers to having elevated blood sugar levels, is the primary characteristic of diabetes. It results from the body being unable to produce or effectively use the hormone known as insulin. Insulin is a natural chemical whose primary role is to regulate blood sugar.
When the body can't regulate blood sugar properly, glucose can build up in the bloodstream. The blood sugar levels in the eyes' lenses can then increase. From there, the enzyme known as "aldose reductase" turns the glucose into sorbitol, a form of sugar alcohol.
Sorbitol doesn't diffuse quickly across the lens capsule of the eye. Instead, it can accumulate within the fibers of the eyes' lenses.
The buildup can contribute to or trigger osmotic changes and imbalances. The body, for instance, may force water into the lens as it tries to balance out the sorbitol levels. When this happens, inflammation may occur.
Swelling from sorbitol and water buildup can alter the structure and microenvironment of the eyes' lenses. It can promote the disintegration of the protein in the lenses, which can then cause it to clump together and form cataracts.
Having diabetes increases the likelihood of seniors in Ventura, CA, developing cataracts, but it doesn't mean living with diabetic vision is already inevitable. There are still steps older adults can take to lower their risk of developing cataracts, other vision complications, and even diabetes.
Managing blood sugar levels, which older adults can do through the following strategies, is one of the most crucial aspects of diabetes management:
Proper blood sugar management may even help seniors with pre-diabetes keep their condition from progressing to diabetes. It's just as crucial for older adults who already have diabetes, as it can prevent blood glucose levels from:
A well-balanced, nutritious diet benefits the eyes, overall physical well-being, and brain health. Some of the best options, especially for diabetes and cataract mitigation and management, include the following:
Just as vital is to avoid unhealthy options, such as snacks with too much refined sugar, processed foods (e.g., ham, sausage, chips, and ready-to-eat meals), and deep-fried foods. With these healthy eating tips, seniors in Ventura, CA, can better manage their blood sugar levels and weight.
Smoking is a harmful lifestyle habit because it:
Given all those dangerous effects, quitting as soon as possible should be a top priority for seniors who smoke. Older adults who've never smoked shouldn't start, either.
Ventura, California's sunny weather, majestic beaches, and green spaces like Blackburn Park, Hobert Park, and Chumash Park, can make anyone want to spend time outdoors. It's an excellent activity for everyone, including seniors, as it promotes optimal health and well-being.
According to the University of California, enjoying the outdoors and being in nature benefits people by improving reasoning, thinking, and other mental and cognitive abilities. It can also enhance physical wellness by encouraging people to engage in exercise and physical activity (e.g., land and water sports). Plus, it can boost mental health by promoting better sleep and moods while reducing feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression.
All that makes nature time an excellent way for seniors to stay fit and keep stress and memory loss-causing depression at bay.
However, seniors should still prioritize UV protection while outdoors. Prolonged, unprotected exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays can wreak havoc on the skin and the eyes. It can damage the eyes and contribute to an increased risk of cataract development.
To safeguard the eyes while enjoying the sun and the outdoors, wear sunglasses rated to have 100% UV protection or UV 400. Donning a wide-brimmed hat that shields the face, including the eyes, is also wise.
While there's a strong connection between diabetes and cataracts, it doesn't mean they're inescapable. With proper management and healthy lifestyle choices, seniors can lower their risk of developing such conditions and suffering from vision loss.
The Palms at Bonaventure, our beautiful, welcoming, and loving retirement village in Ventura, CA, offers supportive, caring services and on-site amenities designed to support and promote overall health and well-being in our residents. From our exercise programs to daily social and recreational activities, chef-prepared meals, and wellness center, we offer all these and more in our pet-friendly senior living community.
Call us today to book a tour of our assisted living and memory care enclaves and learn more about our move-in specials!