You may be aware that diabetes, if not properly managed, can lead to complications with your kidneys, peripheral nerves, feet, and gums, but did you know that it can affect your eyes, as well? Learn about the link between diabetes and glaucoma and how you can manage them at the same time.*

Diabetes and glaucoma

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition marked by elevated blood sugar (glucose) that can lead to glaucoma and vision loss if not detected early and treated effectively. High blood sugar can lead to swelling of eye tissue and blurred vision, which both usually subside when blood sugar normalizes. 

Chronically elevated blood sugar, however, can damage blood vessels in the eye and cause permanent injury. New, underdeveloped blood vessels can also form that easily rupture and bleed, and eventually raise eye pressure.

Diabetes can ultimately lead to diabetic eye disease, an umbrella term for eye diseases such as:

• Diabetic retinopathy, or damage to blood vessels and nerves in the retina
• Cataracts, or clouding of the eye lens
• Glaucoma, a group of eye diseases causing optic nerve damage

What is your risk of glaucoma with diabetes?

Risk of glaucoma increases two-fold with diabetes, mainly from eye damage caused by high blood sugar. Research suggests that diabetics have a 36% greater risk of open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of glaucoma. Studies also suggest that people with open-angle glaucoma are more likely to develop diabetes than people without that eye condition.

Living with diabetes and glaucoma

Living with these two conditions simultaneously can seem daunting, but you can successfully manage them by adhering to your provider’s treatment plan.

• Experts recommend that people with diabetes and glaucoma should follow a balanced, nutrient-rich diet of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. A registered dietician [RD] or registered dietician nutritionist [RDN] can help you craft a personalized eating plan.
• Engaging in at least 150 minutes of aerobic physical activity each week is beneficial for diabetes and glaucoma, but exercises that place the head below the heart (certain yoga positions, for example) should be avoided by people with glaucoma since they can raise eye pressure.
• With diabetes and glaucoma, medications play an important role in disease management. If side effects are problematic, speak with your doctor about ways to reduce these effects or possibly change medications. Don’t stop taking prescribed medication without your doctor’s approval.
• Laser treatment and eye surgery can reduce internal eye pressure in people with glaucoma, and help preserve remaining vision. Bariatric surgery has been said to help some people with type 2 diabetes. Speak with your healthcare providers about the benefits and risks of any surgical procedures you are considering. 

While living with diabetes and glaucoma, it’s also important to be watchful for other diabetic eye diseases, as well as related conditions such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, kidney disease, and nerve damage.

Preventing glaucoma or diabetes

You may be able to delay or help prevent developing glaucoma or diabetes by being proactive.

• People with diabetes are advised to get an annual eye exam since they’re at higher risk for eye problems and because glaucoma often shows no early symptoms.
• People with glaucoma and other risk factors for diabetes are advised to have regular diabetes screenings.

Following a healthy lifestyle helps people living with either or both diseases better manage their condition(s) and helps delay or prevent complications. Besides healthy eating and regular exercise, quitting smoking and getting enough sleep are also helpful.

Symptoms of diabetic eye disease to watch for include, for example:

• Blurry vision
• Frequent visual changes
• Vision loss
• Floaters and light flashes

Symptoms of diabetes to watch for include, for instance:

• Excessive thirst or hunger
• Excessive urination
• Numb or tingling hands or feet
• Slow wound healing
• Excessive infections 

Though it can feel overwhelming to live with both diabetes and glaucoma, keeping to your treatment plan and a healthy lifestyle can pay dividends and help you to live a happy, productive life.

*Poulson, B. (2022, October 2). Glaucoma and Diabetes: What Is the Relationship? Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/glaucoma-and-diabetes-6541568