Medical Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Eye health management for diabetics requires specialist ophthalmological care.
Diabetic retinopathy — damage to retinal blood vessels caused by chronic hyperglycaemia — affects roughly 30% of people with diabetes and is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults in the UK.
Chronic high blood glucose damages the small blood vessels of the retina, causing leakage, abnormal new vessel growth (neovascularisation), and retinal detachment in advanced cases.
The UKPDS and DCCT trials definitively established that excellent blood sugar control significantly reduces the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy. Keto’s power to normalise blood glucose makes it directly protective.
Blurred vision, floaters, fluctuating vision, and difficulty reading in dim light may indicate early retinopathy. Annual retinal screening (available on the NHS) is essential for all diabetics.
Lutein and zeaxanthin (from leafy greens), omega-3s (from fatty fish), vitamin C (from low-carb vegetables), and zinc (from meat and seeds) support retinal health. Find these in our keto salads and keto main dishes.