How Does Diabetes Affect My Risk Of Developing Cataracts?

Aug. 24, 2009— -- Question: How does diabetes affect my risk of developing cataracts?

Answer: It's well known that the patients with diabetes develop cataracts more commonly than other patients without diabetes at the same age. It's felt that this is a metabolic problem where the blood glucose enters the lens and creates a biochemical changes that cause the lens to cloud over. As any doctor would advise a diabetic patient, it's important to maintain tight blood sugar control, to monitor diet carefully, and to exercise. These things, hopefully, can reduce the risk of cataract formation in diabetics.