Sweet Treats and Retinal Health: Managing Diabetes Over the Holidays
For individuals with diabetes, the holiday season can be a challenging time. Festive get-togethers often involve sugary foods and drinks that can make managing diabetes challenging. Not managing diabetes properly can increase the risk of developing certain conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to permanent vision loss and even blindness if left untreated.
How Does Diabetes Cause Diabetic Retinopathy?
Over time, having too much sugar in the blood can damage the blood vessels in the retina – the part of the eye responsible for detecting light and sending signals to the brain for interpretation. As a result, the eye attempts to create new blood vessels. However, these new vessels often do not develop correctly and are prone to bleeding and leaking, leading to vision problems.
Tips for Managing Diabetes Over the Holidays
There are many ways to manage your diabetes effectively and prioritize retinal health during the holidays, such as:
1. Planning Ahead
The holiday season can be busy and, sometimes, overwhelming. Leading up to a holiday gathering, plan ahead and prioritize self-care by properly managing your blood sugar, eating your meals on time, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and setting a reminder to take any medications.
2. Bringing a Healthy Dish to Share
If you're attending a holiday gathering, consider making and bringing a nutritious dish to share with everyone. This is your chance to get creative in the kitchen and make something delicious and festive but also healthy.
3. Not Skipping Meals
Some people skip breakfast or lunch to make room for a large holiday dinner. However, this is not a good idea for individuals with diabetes. Skipping meals can lead to dips in blood glucose levels and may cause overeating later, resulting in spikes in blood glucose. It's better to eat small, well-balanced meals throughout the day, even if you plan to enjoy a big holiday dinner in the evening.
4. Getting an Annual Eye Exam
During the busy holiday season, it’s easy to overlook important health appointments. The end of the year is a great time to reflect on your health and schedule any necessary check-ups. If you have diabetes, it's essential to have an eye exam with dilation at least once a year to quickly identify and address any signs of retinal damage.
Schedule an Appointment with a Retina Specialist Today
There are many ways to enjoy the holiday season without jeopardizing your retinal health. If you have diabetes, the best way to protect and preserve your vision is to keep up with your annual eye exams. At the Retina Group of Florida, our team of retina specialists can assess your vision, effectively diagnose and provide treatment for diabetic retinopathy, and offer you advice on how to optimize your retinal health.
Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment at one of our conveniently located retina centers in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Clearwater, Port St. Lucie, Sarasota, Naples, and more.
