How does a high sugar diet impact the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy
Dr Digvijay Singh, Director Noble Eye Care, Gurugram
Diabetic retinopathy refers to a number of changes that occur in the retinal vasculature due to damage through formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These AGEs form when glucose binds to the lipids and proteins. Studies have found a direct correlation between the levels of AGEs and severity of diabetic retinopathy. It is the chronic or long term elevated AGE levels in the body that cause the damage. Hence repeated prolonged episodes of high sugar as can happen in diabetics who eat sugar laden products through poor diet control are at a high risk for developing retinopathy and possible permanent vision loss.
AGE’s cause damage by disrupting the redox cycle and causing oxidative stress, inducing inflammation in the retina and damaging blood vessels in the retina, leading to leakage, abnormal blood vessel growth (neovascularization) and retinal traction and detachment.
While intake of high sugar foods or foods with high glycemic index cause formation of AGEs even in normal and prediabetic patients, it is likely to happen only on repeated intake of foods such as confectionary, Indian Mithai, sweetened beverages etc. on regular basis. However even occasional intake by a diabetic patient can cause formation of these damaging compounds.
It is recommended to avoid foods that spike sugars and to do regular exercise to keep the metabolism active which may limit the oxidative damage to the retina.
