India is known as the “Diabetes capital of the world.” With over 101 million people living with diabetes in our country, this number is expected to reach 125 million by 2045. The constant rise in cases of diabetes is attributed to lifestyle modifications such as sedentary work, rising stress levels and comorbid conditions such as obesity and hypertension.
Not only lifestyle changes but continuously changing environmental patterns such as increased pollution levels in cities, have also shown to be a key contributor to the condition. A healthy diet plays a crucial role in managing diabetes. Timely meals with a balanced diet are key to maintaining healthy sugar levels.
An unhealthy lifestyle can lead to poor management of diabetes, which in turn leads to faster progression of diabetic retinopathy. What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is an eye condition that can cause vision loss and blindness in people with diabetes. It affects blood vessels in the retina (the light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of your eye).
Dr Manisha Agarwal, General Secretary, Vitreo Retinal Society of India, explains that diabetic retinopathy is common among the working-age population and impacts their physical and mental health. If not screened on time, this condition can become the leading cause of blindness in India, causing a huge economic burden. With a national prevalence of 12.
5 per cent of diabetic retinopathy and 4 per cent of vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy (.