People Who Have Type 2 Diabetes or High Blood Pressure Are at Risk of Developing Primary Open-angle Glaucoma

Researchers from UT Southwestern stated in a new study that the sooner people get Type 2 diabetes or hypertension, the earlier they are likely to develop primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), the leading cause of irreversible blindness globally.

The findings, which were published in Clinical Ophthalmology, might lead to better screening techniques for POAG, which accounts for up to 90% of all glaucoma cases.

Diabetes, Hypertension can predict Early Glaucoma

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We don't yet have the means to treat glaucoma, but with enough forewarning, we can save patients' vision, as per ScienceDaily.

The key to improved control of intraocular pressure and averting blindness is early identification of glaucoma, according to research leader Karanjit Kooner, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A., Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at UTSW.

POAG affects tens of millions of individuals worldwide. Dr. Kooner noted that because this condition has minimal symptoms in its early stages, individuals are typically identified when their vision has already been irreparably affected.

Although studies have found various risk factors for POAG, including Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, migraines, and obstructive sleep apnea, it is unclear how these variables impact the onset of POAG.

Dr. Kooner and his colleagues obtained data from the medical records of 389 POAG patients visited by Dr. Kooner at the UTSW Eye Clinic between June 2019 and December 2019.

The researchers discovered no link between migraines and/or obstructive sleep apnea and the age of POAG development using statistical modeling.

The researchers discovered, however, that the age of Type 2 diabetes and/or hypertension diagnosis was substantially related to the beginning of POAG - the earlier individuals presented with one or both of these illnesses, the earlier they were likely to acquire POAG.

Both Type 2 diabetes and hypertension, according to Dr. Kooner, are disorders that alter blood vessels in both the optic nerve and the retina, perhaps generating changes that predispose people to POAG, another syndrome with a vascular origin.

If these findings hold up in future research, he believes Type 2 diabetes and hypertension could be added to the list of factors that can trigger POAG screening, along with a family history of POAG, elevated intraocular pressure, and Black race, leading to an earlier diagnosis of POAG and preserving patients' vision and quality of life.

Read more: Weight Lifting Linked with Lower Diabetes Type-2 Risk in Women

Early warning indicators of type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes causes an individual's blood sugar levels to become abnormally high. Recognizing the early signs and symptoms of this chronic illness can lead to earlier treatment, lowering the chance of serious consequences, as per Medical News Today.

Diabetes type 2 is a frequent disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) 2017 report, 30.3 million individuals in the United States have diabetes.

Another 84.1 million persons in the United States are predicted to have prediabetes, according to the research.

People with prediabetes have higher-than-normal blood sugar levels, but they do not yet have diabetes, according to physicians.

People with prediabetes frequently acquire type 2 diabetes within 5 years if they do not receive treatment, according to the CDC.

Type 2 diabetes can develop gradually, with minor symptoms in the early stages. As a result, many people may be unaware that they suffer from this ailment.

This article discusses the early signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes, as well as the necessity of early detection. We also go through the elements that put you at risk of getting this illness.

When blood sugar levels are high, the kidneys attempt to eliminate excess sugar from the blood by filtering it out. This might cause a person to need to urinate more frequently, especially at night.

The frequent urine required to eliminate excess sugar from the blood might cause the body to lose extra water. This might lead to dehydration and a person feeling thirstier than usual over time.

Type 2 diabetes can affect a person's energy levels, making them feel weary or sluggish. This weariness is caused by a lack of sugar flowing from the circulation into the cells of the body.

Related article: Study: How Cycling May Help Reduce Risk for Type 2 Diabetes