Actionsets help people take an active role in managing a health condition.  Caring for yourself when you have diabetes and poor vision

Why? - Why the action is important? Why do I need to keep my blood sugar under control?

The results of long-term studies show that keeping blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible reduces the risk of the development and progression of retinopathy.1, 2

Keep your blood sugar levels near normal by eating a diet that spreads carbohydrate throughout the day, monitoring your blood sugar levels, getting regular physical activity, and taking insulin or medicines for type 2 diabetes if prescribed. One study found that teens who kept their blood sugar levels near normal reduced their risk for developing diabetic retinopathy and reduced kidney damage during young adulthood.3

Test Your Knowledge

Decide whether the following statement is true or false, to see whether you understand why you need to make changes to reduce your risk of developing vision loss or making your vision worse.

  1. Keeping my blood sugar near normal will help reduce the risk of the development and progression of retinopathy.

    1. True
    2. False

Continue to How? - Learn the steps involved in taking action. How can I enhance my low vision to care for my diabetes?
Return to Click here to view an Actionset. Caring for yourself when you have diabetes and poor vision



Author: Monica RhodesLast Updated: May 31, 2007
Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Steven T. Charles, MD - Ophthalmology
Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine

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