(i) Type 1 - our body is unable to produce insulin (hormone that stimulates our cells to take in and store glucose from our bloodstream)
(ii) Type 2 - our body's cells start to fail to respond to insulin.
Can diabetes result in blindness? Yes. There are 2 ways.
1. Diabetic macular edema
It's the more common condition amongst the working population. High levels of blood glucose in our body can eventually result in the weakening of our blood vessel walls. The weakened blood vessel walls cause leakage of proteins and fluids into our eye, particularly the macula. This causes the macula to swell up, resulting in blurred vision.
Diabetic macular edema can develop without symptoms.
2. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy
The small blood vessels become leaky and there is lack of oxygen to our eye (hypoxia). This hypoxia leads to increased VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), which is a critical factor that leads to the growth of new blood vessels. Unfortunately, these new blood vessels are quite fragile, and can become leaky easily, thus triggering the whole cycle again. This process eventually leads to loss of vision.
Diabetic retinopathy can develop without symptoms. However, it usually occurs in patients already on dialysis. Even though there are treatments available, most Malaysians get it detected too late, inevitably resulting in blindness.
Over 60% of patients with Type 2 diabetes have some degree of diabetic retinopathy 20 years later. The only way to delay it is to control your diet and take medications.
Some ways to control your dietary habit include:
1) Carbohydrate intake should be limited to small amounts in each meal. This will even out the blood sugar levels throughout the day. So, don't skip a meal then gorge on buffet later.
2) Fibre intake should be increased, as it will help slow down the absorption of sugars during metabolism. Click on this link to discover How to Choose a Quality Dietary Fibre.
3) Fat intake should be in moderation. Choose healthier fat like vegetable oils (monounsaturated fats) and omega-3 fatty acids (polyunsaturated fats).
(Source: In-eye-vitable loss, StarFit4Life, 2 September 2012)
How to Prevent Diabetes?
The best strategy is obviously to prevent diabetes. Nip the potential problem in the bud. Click on this link for research findings and proven results on the positive effects of Ganoderma / Lingzhi in relation to diabetes,
http://www.pingofhealth.com/2012/02/effects-of-ganoderma-lingzhi-on.html
Lingzhi can lower blood glucose, prolong the lifespan of cells and maintain pancreatic function (the insulin production factory).
Email me at laifuiping@gmail.com to buy Jia Hor dietary fibre and Lingzhi.
