Diabetic Retinopathy: Prevention, Treatment and Diet Sharon Allen Haynes, MS - Regional Extension Agent II for Southeast Region II Tera Glenn, BS - Regional Extension Agent I for Southwest Region 1 Eating for Your Eyes Part II

Eating for Your Eyes

Eating for Your Eyes Part II- Diabetic Retinopathy: Prevention, Treatment and Diet Identify the Objectives Identify Target Group(s) Discuss the Implementation Evaluation/Outcomes

Objectives diabetes, diabetic retinopathy and diet. diabetic retinopathy diagnosis, risk factors, symptoms, prevention and treatment blood sugar and blood pressure numbers. the Plate Method for carbohydrate and blood pressure control. Participants will increase their awareness/knowledge of:

Target Groups Health Care Professionals- nurses, dietitians, etc. Family Service Coordinators-social workers, etc. School Nurses/Food Service Staff Health Education Teachers/Coordinators Senior Centers Diabetic Support Groups Faith Based Organizations Anyone diagnosed with diabetes Anyone interested in diabetes education

Implementation

What is Diabetes ? Diabetes is a condition in which the body is unable to regulate levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. If left untreated, this results in high blood sugars and diabetic complications. Glucose comes from the digestion of carbohydrate foods and beverages such as breads, cereals, dairy products, fruits and starchy vegetables.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy ? Complication of uncontrolled diabetes Most common diabetic eye disease Caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina

Diabetic Retinopathy Accounts for 12,000 to 24,000 new cases of blindness every year Leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults Diagnosed in 40 to 45% of individuals with diabetes

Risk Factors for Diabetic Retinopathy Presence of type 1 or 2 diabetes Diagnosed with diabetes while pregnant Poor blood sugar control Poor blood pressure control Presence of nephropathy (kidney disease) Duration of diabetes

How Can Complications of Diabetes Be Reduced ? Control blood sugar 40% risk reduction for every percentage drop in hemoglobin A1c Control blood pressure 33% risk reduction if blood pressure controlled Early detection and treatment Significant decrease in complications

Diabetic Retinopathy Progression Leaking Blood Vessels Swelling in Retina Formation of New, Weak Blood Vessels Blood Vessels Bleed and Rupture LOSS OF VISION Uncontrolled Diabetes and/or Blood Pressure Weak Blood Vessels Clogged Blood Vessels

Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy Usually NO symptoms in early stages of the disease Spots in vision if bleeding occurs Blurred vision

Diabetic Retinopathy Normal Vision Same scene viewed by a person with diabetic retinopathy

Prevention and Treatment Good blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol control Healthy diet and exercise Regular eye checkups to identify problems Comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year Pregnant women with diabetes should receive a comprehensive dilated eye exam as soon as possible after pregnancy confirmed

Know Your Numbers CategoryFasting Blood Glucose Level Normal mg/dl Prediabetes> 100 mg/dl Diabetes> 126 mg/dl

Hemoglobin A1c Blood test used to measure the average blood sugar during the past 2 to 3 months Long-term control of blood sugars Normal range 4 to 6% Goal for diabetes – less than 7%

Plate Method for Blood Sugar Control

Plate Method and Portion Control Do you normally eat more or less of the food item than recommended? What can you do to improve your eating habits and blood sugar?

How can you improve diet and physical activity habits ? Change gradually Remember to keep carbohydrate intake consistent Use the Plate Method Include meats as one part of the whole meal instead of the focus Use fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy as desserts or snacks Implement and track physical activity Try new activities

Conclusion Work with your dietitian and physician: Eat a healthy diet Control blood sugar Control blood pressure Get a yearly comprehensive and dilated eye exam Build a patient/physician relationship with an optometrist/ophthalmologist

Additional Information h.pdf h.pdf

Evaluation/Outcome A pre-survey is given to all participants. After 8 weeks, a post survey is either mailed, sent via , or administered by phone. 100% of the pre-surveys are returned 42% of the post-surveys sent by mail or are returned

Eating for Your Eyes II Diabetic Retinopathy: Prevention, Treatment and Diet (Pre-survey) 1. Which option best describes your diet and lifestyle ? a. I do not plan on making any changes in the near future (the next two months). b. I am thinking about making a change in the next two months. c. I am actively considering changing behavior in the next month. d. I have made behavioral changes in the past two months. e. I have made behavioral changes for greater than two months and am working on sustaining those changes.

2. Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetic eye disease that can lead to blindness. What can you do to prevent it ? Please circle all answers that apply. a. Control blood sugar b. Control blood pressure c. Eat a healthy diet d. Eat lots of carbohydrate foods e. Exercise f. Get a yearly comprehensive and dilated-eye exam g. Eat high-sodium foods

4. What is the hemoglobin A1c (average blood sugar) goal for people with diabetes ? a.<5% b. <6% c. <7% d. <8% 5. Which foods are recommended for blood pressure control ? Please circle all foods that apply. a.Fruits b. Vegetables c. Nuts d. Low fat dairy products e. Low-fat meats f. Grains

Questions? Thank You for Your Participation Sharon Allen Haynes, MSTera Glenn, BS Regional Extension Agent IIRegional Extension Agent I Human Nutrition, Diet & HealthHuman Nutrition, Diet & Health 132 North Court StreetP.O. Box 271 Talladega, AL 35160Carrollton, AL (office) (office)

Acknowledgements Special Thanks to: Lindsay Youd, L.R.D. Sherri Stastny, Ph.D., L.R.D., C.S.S.D., Assistant Professor Julie Garden-Robinson, Ph.D., L.R.D., Food and Nutrition Specialist and Associate Professor