Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX
To help prevent the progression of diabetic retinopathy, patients with diabetes should be advised on several key lifestyle modifications. Good long-term management of their diabetes is crucial, as it offers long-term benefits for their vision NICE NG242. Patients should be informed that lowering their HbA1c and blood pressure results can reduce the risk of their eye condition progressing to proliferative diabetic retinopathy or diabetic macular oedema NICE NG242.
Specific lifestyle advice includes:
- Blood Pressure Management: Managing blood pressure can reduce the progression of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy NICE NG242. Optimal blood pressure control reduces the risk of microvascular complications of diabetes NICE CKS,NICE CKS.
- Dietary Advice: Offer dietary advice NICE CKS,NICE CKS.
- Exercise and Physical Activity: Provide information on regular exercise and physical activity, and advise minimizing time spent being sedentary NICE CKS,NICE CKS. Regular exercise can help lower blood glucose levels, improve cardiovascular risk, and reduce excess weight when combined with a healthy diet NICE CKS,NICE CKS.
- Weight Loss: Advise on weight loss as appropriate NICE CKS,NICE CKS.
- Smoking Cessation: Advise on smoking cessation due to its impact on diabetes and its complications NICE CKS,NICE CKS. Young people who are non-smokers should be advised never to start NICE CKS,NICE CKS.
- Alcohol Consumption: Provide information on recommended alcohol limits and the potential impact of alcohol on diabetes and its treatment NICE CKS,NICE CKS.