Diabetes symptom in the eyes could cause blindness if not treated

Health professionals are warning people to look out for a red flag symptom of a diabetes that shows up in the eyes. The NHS has highlighted that blurred vision could be an indicator of diabetes - a serious and typically lifelong condition that results in excessively high blood sugar levels.

While the exact cause of type 1 diabetes remains unknown, type 2 diabetes is often associated with factors such as obesity and insufficient physical activity, although it can also be genetic. Despite the lack of a cure for diabetes, treatments are available to alleviate symptoms, making early detection crucial.

The NHS clarifies that blurred vision could be a result of a complication known as diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to blindness if not treated. It states: "Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes, caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the back of the eye (retina). It can cause blindness if left undiagnosed and untreated. However, it usually takes several years for diabetic retinopathy to reach a stage where it could threaten your sight."

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Diabetes.co.uk also notes this symptom, stating: "High levels of blood sugar resulting from diabetes can affect your ability to see by causing the lens inside the eye to swell, which can result in temporary blurring of eyesight. Blurring of vision may also occur as a result of very low blood sugar levels.

"If this is the case, your vision should return once your blood glucose levels have returned to the normal range. If your blood sugar levels are fluctuating over time, you may notice that your vision improves and worsens for periods of time."

The NHS has warned that diabetic retinopathy can affect individuals with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. You are also at an increased risk if you:

• Have had diabetes for a long time

• Have a persistently high blood sugar (blood glucose) level

• Have high blood pressure

• Have high cholesterol

• Are pregnant

• Are of Asian or Afro-Caribbean background.

The NHS adds: “By keeping your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control, you can reduce your chances of developing diabetic retinopathy.” Aside from blurred vision, other telltale signs of diabetic retinopathy are:

• Gradually worsening vision

• Sudden vision loss

• Shapes floating in your field of vision (floaters)

• Patchy vision

• Eye pain or redness

• Difficulty seeing in the dark.

You should speak to your doctor if you experience any of these. As a way to catch diabetic retinopathy early, the NHS offers routine eye screenings for anyone aged 12 and over who has diabetes.

Other potential symptoms of diabetes include:

• Peeing more than usual

• Feeling thirsty all the time

• Feeling very tired

• Losing weight without trying to

• Itching around your penis or vagina, or repeatedly getting thrush

• Cuts or wounds taking longer to heal.

If you experience any symptoms of diabetes you should speak to your GP.