Type 2 diabetes may increase glaucoma risk
Individuals with type 2 diabetes are already known to be at an increased risk of developing retinopathy, a condition that can eventually lead to blindness. Now, new evidence suggests that these individuals may also be prone to open-angle glaucoma.
This combination of vision-related risks further underscores the point that individuals with type 2 diabetes should take steps to control their condition. Keeping blood sugar levels in check may limit the chances of experiencing these complications.
For the present study, researchers from the University of Michigan reviewed the billing records of more than 2 million people over the age of 40. The results showed that those who had type 2 diabetes were 35 percent more likely to develop glaucoma, those with high blood pressure were at a 17 percent increased risk and individuals with both were 48 percent more likely to develop the vision problem.
"Patients who have diabetes and hypertension are already known to be at elevated risk for eye conditions like diabetic retinopathy, a condition that harms the blood vessels in the retina," said Dr. Joshua Stein, who led the study. "This study and others suggest that, for these patients, an increased likelihood of glaucoma is also a concern."
He added that the presence of either high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes could be an indication that an individual should seek regular eye exams. This may help doctors catch glaucoma symptoms before the condition progresses to an untreatable stage.
The findings may also suggest that keeping tighter control over blood sugar levels may be an important part of preserving vision. This is already known to be one of the best ways to reduce the risk of retinopathy and may have additional benefits for warding off glaucoma.
This combination of vision-related risks further underscores the point that individuals with type 2 diabetes should take steps to control their condition. Keeping blood sugar levels in check may limit the chances of experiencing these complications.
For the present study, researchers from the University of Michigan reviewed the billing records of more than 2 million people over the age of 40. The results showed that those who had type 2 diabetes were 35 percent more likely to develop glaucoma, those with high blood pressure were at a 17 percent increased risk and individuals with both were 48 percent more likely to develop the vision problem.
"Patients who have diabetes and hypertension are already known to be at elevated risk for eye conditions like diabetic retinopathy, a condition that harms the blood vessels in the retina," said Dr. Joshua Stein, who led the study. "This study and others suggest that, for these patients, an increased likelihood of glaucoma is also a concern."
He added that the presence of either high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes could be an indication that an individual should seek regular eye exams. This may help doctors catch glaucoma symptoms before the condition progresses to an untreatable stage.
The findings may also suggest that keeping tighter control over blood sugar levels may be an important part of preserving vision. This is already known to be one of the best ways to reduce the risk of retinopathy and may have additional benefits for warding off glaucoma.
First published on: August 17, 2011
Related Resources
