Lifestyle Changes to Slow Diabetic Macular Edema Progression

Kasra Rezaei, MD, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and associate chief of service for ophthalmic surgery, was featured in an Everyday Health article online about specific lifestyle measures that may help protect your vision if you have diabetic macular edema.

“We do have a lot of treatments for diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema, and all of those have a temporary effect,” says Dr. Rezaei. “They don’t solve the issue until we control blood sugar.”

He recommends working with a dietitian who collaborates with your primary care doctor or endocrinologist to develop a detailed eating plan designed to keep your blood sugar at the right level. In general, he notes, people with diabetes tend to have better blood sugar control when they eat nonstarchy vegetables, lean sources of protein, and carbohydrate-rich foods with a low glycemic index — meaning the carbs don’t spike your blood sugar.

Physical activity, along with diet, is a key element of blood sugar control, Rezaei explains. “Physical activity will increase the reception of glucose by muscle, and that will bring your sugar to a lower level,” he says. “Having routine physical activity five days a week will help control your blood sugar and benefit your overall physical health, as well.”

Read the complete article in Everyday Health here.