Retinopathy (Eye Complications)
We are placing increasing emphasis on recognizing and treating the complications of diabetes, as they significantly affect life expectancy.
One reason for this focus is that diabetes is still often only diagnosed when complications have already developed, even though glucose metabolism disorders may have existed for decades. Another reason is that diabetes, thanks to advanced medication and insulin therapies aimed at blood sugar reduction, is now well-managed, and many patients under treatment for decades are at risk of developing late complications.
According to current scientific knowledge, maintaining near-normal blood sugar levels (normoglycemia) prevents or at least delays microangiopathic (small vessel-related) complications and slows their progression. This means that even the progression of complications detected in the late stages of diabetes can be slowed through proper metabolic control and targeted treatment of these complications. Preventing macroangiopathic (large vessel-related) complications, however, requires addressing their underlying causes through comprehensive management.
Vision Impairment: The Most Common Eye Problem Among Diabetics
In patients with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, severe retinopathy may already have developed, potentially leading to blindness. In many cases, a routine ophthalmological examination raises suspicion of diabetes. This is why an annual eye examination, even in asymptomatic cases, is essential.
The blood vessels in the retina are highly sensitive to elevated blood sugar levels and oxygen deprivation caused by narrowing of the blood vessels. This weakens the walls of the small vessels, leading to the formation of microaneurysms. In later stages, fluid or blood may leak from the damaged vessel walls, resulting in edema, hemorrhages, and adhesions. The oxygen supply worsens, prompting the growth of new blood vessels. Laser treatments at this stage can prevent more severe complications. Since early intervention or laser treatment can reliably prevent blindness, an annual retinal exam is crucial for diabetic patients.
Preventing Retinopathy and Nerve Damage Screening at Our Diabetes Center
At our Diabetes Center, special attention is given to screening for nerve damage (neuropathy) to prevent retinopathy. This focus has grown because recent scientific findings indicate that patients with even asymptomatic neuropathy face a higher risk of developing cardiovascular complications.
These findings are supported by the internationally recognized scientific work of the clinical diabetologists at our Diabetes Center, which has been published in scientific journals, presented at conferences, and even compiled into published books. With this modern knowledge, patients identified through neuropathy screening can be referred earlier to cardiological, neurological, or nephrological care, reducing the likelihood of fatal outcomes.
Managing Diabetes Complications: A Multidisciplinary Approach
The treatment of diabetes complications often requires collaboration across multiple medical specialties. At the Újszeged Diabetes Center, this interdisciplinary care is unique, provided by specialists who excel in both scientific research and clinical practice. At our Diabetes Center, the annual comprehensive screening for complications can be completed within a few hours by prior appointment.