CLAIM:
Changes in eyesight, such as difficulty reading or weakened vision, can be signs of diabetes. High blood sugar can damage the delicate blood vessels in the retina, potentially leading to diabetic retinopathy and vision loss if not detected early.
FACT:
Diabetes can damage the retina and cause diabetic retinopathy, which may lead to blurred vision or vision loss if untreated. However, changes in eyesight alone are not a reliable indicator of diabetes, as vision problems can also occur due to ageing, refractive errors, or other eye conditions. Regular eye screening and proper diabetes management are essential for early detection and prevention of complications.
In a recent Instagram reel posted by fitness coach and influencer Priyank Mehta, who has around 1 million followers, the question of whether changes in eyesight could signal diabetes is raised through a family conversation.
The reel, which has garnered over 5.41 lakh views, presents the issue in a conversational format involving Mehta, his wife, and his mother, linking vision problems to underlying blood sugar levels.
The reel opens with Mehta’s mother expressing difficulty reading. “Listen, I’m having trouble reading,” she says, prompting his wife to suggest a routine eye power check and new glasses. However, Mehta introduces another possibility, saying, “This can also be due to diabetes.” Both his wife and mother initially dismiss the suggestion. “What nonsense! What’s the connection between diabetes and eyes?” his mother asks.
Mehta then explains that diabetes affects blood circulation throughout the body, including the eyes. He notes that the retina contains very thin and delicate blood vessels, which can be damaged when blood sugar levels remain high. According to him, elevated sugar levels can cause these vessels to become weak, swollen, or leaky, which may gradually affect vision. He adds that in severe cases, this condition, known as diabetic retinopathy, can even lead to vision loss if not detected early.
As the conversation continues, Mehta highlights the scale of the issue, stating that millions of people in India live with diabetes and that a significant proportion may develop eye-related complications. He reassures his mother that regular check-ups and early detection can greatly reduce the risk of serious vision problems. The reel concludes with a message encouraging viewers to undergo annual eye examinations and manage diabetes effectively, while also promoting awareness about retinal screening and early intervention.
Is your eyesight also an indication of diabetes?
Scientific evidence shows that diabetes can damage retinal blood vessels and lead to diabetic retinopathy (DR). This condition may cause blurred vision, visual impairment, or even blindness if left untreated. However, eyesight changes alone do not automatically mean a person has diabetes, as vision problems can also occur due to ageing, refractive errors, cataracts, or other eye conditions.
According to the National Eye Institute, “Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that can cause vision loss and blindness in people who have diabetes. It affects blood vessels in the retina.” The institute further emphasises that DR may not show symptoms in its early stages, which is why comprehensive dilated eye exams at least once a year are recommended for people with diabetes. Managing blood sugar through physical activity, healthy eating, and prescribed medications can help prevent or delay vision loss.
A recent multicentric cross-sectional study conducted in Kolkata involving 5,029 participants evaluated an Artificial Intelligence-based Diabetic Retinopathy Screening System (AIDRSS). The study found that the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in the general population was 13.7%, rising to 38.2% among individuals with elevated random blood glucose levels. Researchers concluded that early detection systems, including AI-based screening tools, could significantly reduce diabetes-related vision loss, particularly in resource-limited settings.
What are the risk factors and stages of Diabetic Retinopathy?
According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, anyone with type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes can develop diabetic retinopathy. “The longer you have diabetes, the more likely you are to develop it,” the CDC notes. Additional risk factors include high blood sugar, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking.
Diabetic retinopathy progresses in stages. In the early (non-proliferative) stage, retinal blood vessels weaken and may leak fluid, sometimes causing macular edema - a leading cause of vision loss in people with DR. In the advanced (proliferative) stage, fragile new blood vessels grow abnormally and may bleed into the eye, potentially leading to severe vision obstruction or blindness.
Symptoms may include blurry vision, dark spots, trouble seeing colours, blind spots, or gradual vision loss. However, many people do not notice symptoms in the early stages, making routine screening critical.
Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive dilated eye examination, during which doctors assess the retina and internal blood vessels. Early detection is key. The CDC highlights that treatment works best when started before vision loss becomes noticeable.
Treatment options include laser therapy (photocoagulation), injectable medicines such as VEGF inhibitors or corticosteroids, and surgical procedures like vitrectomy or retinal reattachment in severe cases. With timely intervention, vision can often be preserved.
Diabetes can also increase the risk of other eye conditions, such as cataracts and glaucoma. People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age and are nearly twice as likely to develop open-angle glaucoma.
CDC recommends protecting vision through annual dilated eye exams, maintaining blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels, quitting smoking, and staying physically active. As health agencies stress, diabetes-related vision loss is largely preventable when the condition is managed properly and complications are detected early.
This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS.