Diabetic Cataracts: What Seniors in Orange, TX Should Know
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) says that diabetes affects 38.4 million Americans.
Diabetes, on its own, is already a significant concern, as it's a long-term condition that, if not managed adequately, can lead to seniors in Orange, TX, experiencing severe complications. For instance, it may put them at a higher risk of developing diabetic cataracts. Although they're specifically associated with diabetes, they can also cause permanent vision loss, just like typical cataracts.
To that end, the team at Sabine Place Assisted Living, our retirement enclave in the historic and beautiful riverside city of Orange, TX, created this informative guide. Read on to learn more about the roles of aging and diabetes in cataract formation, and insights into senior vision support and eye health.
How Do Diabetic Cataracts in Older Adults Form?
To better understand the connection between diabetes and eye health problems like cataracts, let's first define diabetes.
Diabetes, characterized by high blood glucose (sugar) levels, is a chronic disease that affects metabolism. It results from the body being unable to produce or use insulin effectively.
Insulin is a hormone with regulatory effects on the body's fat and protein-related metabolic processes. It also acts as a signal for cells to:
- Absorb sugar from the blood
- Use the glucose for energy
- Store sugar for later use
People with diabetes experience insulin impairment, resulting in glucose being unable to enter the cells. Instead, it builds up in the blood (hence, the high blood sugar levels). Over time, this can cause many negative changes to the organs, including the eyes (and their lenses).
An example is when the enzyme "aldose reductase" turns glucose into sorbitol, a kind of sugar alcohol. It can build up within the fibers of the eyes' lenses and trigger inflammation. Such changes can then contribute to the lenses' proteins breaking down and clumping, encouraging cataracts to form.
Not all seniors with diabetes will inevitably get cataracts. However, the National Eye Institute says that with diabetes, individuals are 2 to 5 times more likely to suffer from these diabetic eye complications.
How Can Seniors Tell if They Have Diabetes?
Diabetes comes in two forms: type 1 (T1D) and type 2 (T2D). Their signs and indications are similar, but T1D, an autoimmune disease, can have more severe symptoms. T2D, on the other hand, is a preventable condition often influenced by lifestyle choices, the signs of which can take many years to manifest.
Here are some of the typical symptoms of diabetes that Orange, TX, seniors and their loved ones should be on the lookout for:
- Frequent urination, particularly at night
- Frequent bouts of hunger and thirst
- Sudden, unexplained weight changes, especially weight loss
- Blurry or hazy vision
- Skin dryness
- Slow-healing infections, injuries, and sores
- Pins-and-needles, numbness, or tingling in the hands and feet
- Extreme tiredness or fatigue
What About the Symptoms of Diabetic Cataracts?
Diabetic cataracts can take many years to manifest, as they usually have a slow progression. In many cases, especially during the early stages, affected seniors may not notice any vision changes. Given enough time, though, these cataracts can lead to the following symptoms:
- Blurry or hazy vision
- Difficulty seeing in low-light conditions or the dark
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Halos
- Double vision
- Colors that seem faded or dull
Tips for Managing Cataracts From Diabetes and Eye Health
Having diabetes not only increases Orange, TX, seniors' likelihood of developing cataracts; it also puts them at a higher risk of other eye problems, such as diabetic retinopathy (DR). According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, 25% of people in the U.S. with diabetes, translating to 9.6 million Americans, have DR. Like diabetic cataracts, DR can also lead to permanent vision loss.
All that should be good enough reason for older adults to do everything they can to prevent or manage diabetes and achieve or maintain optimal eye health. Here are some strategies Orange seniors can start with.
Manage Blood Sugar
Maintaining healthy blood glucose levels is of utmost importance for all older adults, but even more so for those who are at risk of developing diabetes, have pre-diabetes, or already have diabetes. Proper blood sugar management involves:
- Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels
- Adhering to a prescribed diabetes diet or meal plan
- Taking prescription medications as instructed
At Sabine Place Assisted Living, we're proud to have a talented team of culinary experts. They're always ready to whip up nutritious and heart-healthy yet delectable meals for the residents of our senior living community in Orange, TX.
Quit Smoking
For older adults who smoke, please consider quitting ASAP, if possible, starting today. Smoking is one of the unhealthiest lifestyle habits associated with numerous health problems. For instance, the U.S. CDC says that smoking cigarettes causes:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Eye problems
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Lung diseases
In short, smoking can cause body-wide damage, potentially leading to more illnesses and further loss of independence. As such, the sooner seniors who smoke quit, the better.
Engage in Regular Exercise
Exercising regularly is an excellent way for seniors to minimize their risk of or manage existing diabetes. It also promotes enhanced blood flow, which can benefit the eyes, as improved circulation means they can get more oxygen and nutrient-filled blood.
For the same reasons, our Orange, TX, senior living community, Sabine Place Assisted Living, works hard to develop a robust daily activity and event calendar for our residents. We recognize the undeniable benefits of physical activity in overall senior health and wellness, so we make it easier for our residents to get their daily exercise in.
Keep Diabetes and Cataracts Away
Diabetic cataracts can lead to debilitating symptoms and complications, including vision loss. Since losing one's eyesight can be significantly life-altering, seniors and their loved ones in Orange, TX, should do everything possible to keep diabetes and cataracts at bay or under control.
Sabine Place Assisted Living, our senior living community in Orange, TX, will be happy to help care for your aging loved one. With our many exceptional amenities, from senior-friendly, chef-prepared meals to wellness programs, daily activities and events, and compassionate 24/7 support, we'll do our best to empower your aging loved one to age gracefully and healthily.
Book a tour today so you can see for yourself the difference we make in our senior residents' lives!