A 31-year-old woman who ordered takeout for three meals a day suffered from diabetic retinopathy and nearly went blind

31-year-old Ms. Zhang (pseudonym) was diagnosed with diabetes a few years ago, but she ordered takeout for three meals a day. Due to long-term high-calorie diet and irregular work and rest, she suddenly lost her sight in her left eye recently. After emergency treatment, her left eye vision has recovered to a certain extent. The doctor said that if she does not change her eating habits and control her blood sugar, she will still be at risk of blindness in the future.

Ms. Zhang is 31 years old. She was diagnosed with high blood sugar during a physical examination a few years ago, but she did not take it seriously. "Diabetes is generally an old age disease. I am still so young, it should be fine." For several years, Ms. Zhang has not changed her high-calorie diet habit. She still eats takeout for three meals a day. Recently, she had symptoms such as blurred vision and flashing in her left eye, so she hurried to the Aier Eye Hospital affiliated to Wuhan University for treatment.

After examination, Xu Chong, deputy chief physician of the hospital's ophthalmology department, said that Ms. Zhang had typical retinopathy caused by type 2 diabetes, and if not treated, it might lead to blindness.

Xu Chong introduced that diabetes can cause microvascular disease, which in turn harms the retina and causes diabetic retinopathy (abbreviated as "diabetic retinopathy"). "Diabetic retinopathy" may have no symptoms in the early stages, but the retinal blood vessels of diabetic patients are like cracked water pipes, prone to leakage and bleeding. As "diabetic retinopathy" progresses, symptoms such as blurred vision, dark shadows, and distorted vision may occur, causing irreversible vision loss, and even blindness in severe cases.

Prevention of diabetic retinopathy requires comprehensive management. It is not enough to just control blood sugar. It is also necessary to control blood pressure, blood lipids, improve microcirculation, quit smoking, protect the kidneys, etc. Only through scientific and reasonable treatment plans can the progression of the disease be effectively delayed and vision loss be avoided. Xu Chong reminded that young people should maintain good living habits, eat a reasonable diet, exercise moderately, have regular physical examinations, prevent the occurrence of diabetes and complications, and seek medical attention in time when vision changes.