Diabetes and Cataracts: What Cedarburg Seniors Should Know

According to the CDC, almost 40 million people in the United States are living with diabetes. That's over 11% of the population -- a staggering number.

Education and awareness of diabetes are essential for seniors in Cedarburg, WI. Diabetic vision changes are one of the most common secondary symptoms of diabetes, which can often lead to cataracts.

What connects diabetes and cataracts, and how can you prevent aging eyesight from worsening? Read on to learn all about how senior eye care and cataract awareness go hand in hand for Cedarburg wellness.

What Is Diabetes?

When your body cannot produce enough insulin or use the insulin it produces effectively, the result is diabetes. There are two main types of diabetes:

Type I Diabetes

People with Type I diabetes experience an autoimmune dysfunction that causes their body to attack itself. As a result, the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, a hormone that stabilizes blood sugar.

As a result, Type I diabetics rely on insulin to manage blood sugar levels. The condition is lifelong, and there is no cure. Type I diabetics must learn how to manage insulin levels through a variety of methods to maintain their health.

Since Type I diabetes is an autoimmune disorder, it can occur at any time. Most people with Type I are born with the condition or discover it in early childhood, but every situation is different.

Some of the key symptoms of Type I diabetes include:

• Extreme hunger
• Extreme thirst
• Unexplained weight loss
• Frequent urination
• Blurry vision
• Fatigue

Type II Diabetes

The key difference between Type I and Type II diabetes is that, to a degree, Type II can be reversed. With the right regimen, such as dieting and medication, patients may be able to decrease or even reverse their symptoms.

Insulin resistance is the primary cause of Type II diabetes. Rather than a lack of insulin production, sufferers have trouble responding properly to insulin, which can make it more difficult for the body to absorb it.

Symptoms to watch out for that could indicate Type II diabetes include:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Fatigue
• Tingling and numbness in the extremities (hands and feet)
• Dry and itchy skin
• Blurry vision
• Slow-healing sores

Due to the unhealthy culture of American food and a lack of weight management, Type II diabetics vastly outnumber Type I diabetics.

Diabetic Vision Changes

One of the common conditions associated with diabetes is diabetic retinopathy, which occurs when high blood sugar levels cause damage to the blood vessels leading to the eyes.

Some of the common vision changes resulting from diabetes include the following:

• Blind spots
• Floaters
• Vision loss
• Color vision changes
• Night blindness (difficulty seeing at night)
• Blurred vision

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts occur when proteins within the lens of the eye begin to break down, leading to clumping. The clumping results in a cloudy appearance, typically associated with cataracts.

Cataract Symptoms

Although the cloudiness of the lenses is the main indicator of cataracts, there are other key symptoms, such as:

• Faded colors
• Halos
• Double vision
• Light sensitivity
• Impaired night vision

Types of Cataracts

Symptoms are consistent across all types of cataracts, but their origins and manifestations can vary.

Nuclear Sclerotic Cataracts

Nuclear sclerotic cataracts form in the nucleus, or center of the eye. They are by far the most common type of cataract, and usually develop naturally as a result of aging.

Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts

A type of cataract that develops faster than other types, these form at the back of the eye, rather than the front.

Cortical Cataracts

Rather than starting at the center and spreading outward, cortical cataracts have the opposite growth pattern.

Congenital Cataracts

These cataracts can develop in early childhood or even at birth. They are often due to genetic factors.

Secondary Cataracts

Although cataracts cannot develop again after removal surgery, secondary cataracts can occur due to leftover cells in the new lens. A simple laser procedure can remedy the issue.

The Correlation Between Diabetes and Cataracts

Although there is no direct connection between diabetes and cataracts, how you manage your diabetes can impact how quickly you might develop cataracts later in life.

For instance, high levels of blood sugar can result in higher levels of glucose, which can then lead to changes in the structure of the eye. These changes can then exacerbate or accelerate symptoms of cataracts.

How to Manage and Prevent Diabetes

For seniors with diabetes, management is key to preventing conditions such as cataracts from developing. With proper care and dedication, you may even be able to reverse diabetes if you suffer from Type II.

Here are some tips for maintaining your health, even with a diabetes diagnosis:

Exercise Regularly

Seniors should maintain a calendar full of physical activity. Moving your body is more important than ever as you age, to prevent joint stiffness and deterioration. Aim for at least several workouts each week, but listen to your body and don't push beyond your limits.

Lose Weight

Losing weight can often bring symptoms of Type II diabetes under control. Talk to your doctor about shedding some pounds to see if the weight loss will help alleviate your symptoms.

Improve Your Diet

Managing your weight and your lifestyle is difficult when you cannot get control of your diet. A healthy diet includes:

• Nuts and seeds
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Healthy fats
• Fiber
• Legumes
• Nutritional supplements

At LakeHouse Cedarburg, we offer several programs to assist with your diet, such as our health and wellness program.

Senior Eye Care at LakeHouse Cedarburg

Whether you suffer from diabetes and cataracts or you are more at risk, it isn't something you should have to fret about in your senior years. With proper education and management, you can maintain your health well into retirement and lead a fulfilling life.

LakeHouse Cedarburg is here to help. Our premier assisted living community offers benefits including comprehensive care, health and wellness support, and amenities that foster a thriving and engaging lifestyle for our residents.

Are you considering transitioning to assisted living? Contact us today and learn why LakeHouse Cedarburg is the perfect solution for your needs. Our stunning campus in Cedarburg, WI, is waiting for you.