Diabetes and Cataracts: What Seniors in Jackson Should Know

According to a May 2024 U.S. CDC report, 38.4 million people had diabetes (as of 2021). Of this number, 38.1 million were adults 18+ (14.7% of all U.S. adults). The rate was nearly double among the older population, with 29.2% of seniors 65+ having diabetes!

Diabetes, in itself, is already concerning, as it can damage nerves and blood vessels all over the body. It can also lead to "end-organ damage," affecting almost all organs, including the eyes. Indeed, diabetes and cataracts often go hand in hand.

To that end, the team at Jackson Meadow, our retirement village offering independent living with supportive services in the heart of the picturesque, peaceful city of Jackson, TN, put together this guide. Read on for insights into how diabetes affects aging and eyesight and tips for maintaining optimal senior eye health.

The Link Between Diabetes and Cataracts

Having diabetes makes the likelihood of people getting cataracts two to five times higher, according to the National Eye Institute. It can also heighten one's risk of developing this eye disorder at a younger age.

But why exactly is the risk of developing cataracts higher with diabetes?

High Blood Sugar Levels

People with diabetes generally experience hyperglycemia, a condition characterized by elevated blood glucose (sugar) levels. They often face this problem because diabetes makes it harder for the body to produce or use the hormone insulin, a chemical responsible for regulating blood sugar. So, they're more likely to have glucose build up in their bloodstream compared to people without diabetes.

Glucose levels in the lenses of the eyes of people with diabetes can then increase. When this happens, an enzyme called aldose reductase converts the sugar into sorbitol, a type of sugar alcohol.

Sorbitol Accumulation

Sorbitol doesn't easily diffuse across the eye's lens capsule. Instead, it's more likely to accumulate within the lenses' fibers.

The build-up can then lead to osmotic imbalances, wherein water gets forced into the lens as the body attempts to balance out the sorbitol concentration. As a result, swelling may occur.

The inflammation caused by sorbitol and water accumulation can cause changes to the lenses' structure and microenvironment. Such alterations can contribute to the protein in the lenses disintegrating and clumping, promoting cataract formation.

Blood Vessel Damage

High blood sugar levels, if not appropriately managed in the long run, can lead to more swelling and damage to the eyes' blood vessels. All these effects can potentially increase one's risk of cataracts.

Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs)

AGEs are molecules formed when the following elements react with each other:

Sugar residues
Proteins
Nucleic acids
Lipids

The process, referred to as the Maillard reaction, happens when reducing sugars react with amino acids. AGEs can contribute to various health issues, with researchers linking them to aging and chronic disease. For instance, an article in Spandidos Publications stated that AGEs in the eyes' lenses increase with aging, which then induces cataracts and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness).

Diabetes and Cataract Symptoms

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) share similar symptoms, although the former is an autoimmune disease while the latter is generally a lifestyle-influenced acquired disease. The symptoms of T1D may also occur within just weeks or months, while those of T2D may take years to exhibit.

Here are some of the T1D and T2D symptoms that seniors in Jackson, TN, should never ignore:

Urinating (peeing) a lot, especially at night
Frequently feeling very thirsty and hungry
Sudden and unexplained weight loss
Blurry vision
Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
Extreme tiredness, fatigue, or lethargy
Dry skin
Slow-healing sores and infections

As for cataracts, some of the most typical symptoms are:

Cloudy vision
Difficulty seeing at night
Light and glare sensitivity
Colors appear faded
Halos or rings around lights
Double vision
Having to update one's glasses prescription frequently

Jackson Wellness Tips for Senior Diabetic Vision Care

While having diabetes makes Jackson, TN, seniors more likely to have cataracts, it doesn't mean they will. There are many proactive steps older adults with diabetes can take to minimize their risk of developing vision complications like cataracts and diabetic retinopathy.

Let's explore some of these health tips and strategies.

Manage Blood Sugar

Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is paramount for all seniors, but especially for those with diabetes, pre-diabetes, or at risk of developing diabetes. It involves:

Following a prescribed diabetes diet plan
Taking medications as prescribed and instructed
Monitoring blood sugar regularly

Just as crucial is for seniors to avoid the worst foods for eye health and diabetes. From junk food to too-sugary treats, processed meats, and fried stuff, these can all contribute to poor vision and high blood sugar levels.

Quit Smoking

For seniors who smoke, please do your best to quit as soon as possible, preferably today. Smoking:

Damages nearly all organs in the body, including the eyes
Can increase the risk of cataract development
Can worsen diabetic retinopathy
Makes diabetes management more challenging

For older adults who've never smoked, please don't start now.

Mind the UV Light

Prolonged and frequent exposure to direct sunlight may lead to or contribute to cataract formation. For this reason, wearing sunglasses with a UV 400 rating or 100% UV protection is one of the most crucial sun safety tips all Jackson seniors should abide by.

Exercise Regularly

Physical activity can help with diabetes management and mitigate the risks of its complications (like cataracts) developing. It also supports overall well-being, including eye health.

Ideally, older adults in Jackson should get around 150 minutes of physical activity weekly. They should also make sure to start and end with senior-friendly stretching exercises (for warming up and cooling down).

Keep Diabetes and Cataracts at Bay

Although diabetes and cataracts are prevalent conditions, especially among the aging population, it doesn't mean they're inevitable. Healthy lifestyle habits (e.g., eating well and exercising regularly) can help seniors mitigate their risk for or manage both conditions.

At Jackson Meadow, we offer numerous amenities and supportive services that foster overall health and well-being in our senior residents. From our nutritious, chef-prepared, senior-friendly meals to our full calendar of enriching activities and wellness programs, expect all these and more in our warm, welcoming, and pet-friendly retirement village.

Reach out today to schedule a tour of our independent living community in Jackson, TN!