Diabetes impacts more than 1 in 10 adults globally, bringing with it serious risks, including diabetic retinal disease (DRD)—the leading cause of preventable blindness in adults aged 20-74. DRD often progresses silently, making early screenings essential, though many patients overlook them due to a lack of symptoms.

Thomas Gardner, M.D., professor at the University of Michigan and a member of the Caswell Diabetes Institute, recently discussed the latest advancements in DRD screenings and treatments in Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics. He emphasized the importance of early eye exams for people with diabetes—right after diagnosis for those with type 2, and within five years for those with type 1 diabetes. Adolescents and young adults, in particular, face greater risks due to the challenges in managing blood sugar levels consistently.

The effects of diabetes on the retina can be serious, involving blood vessel damage and nerve cell loss. While innovations like insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors improve diabetes management, Gardner highlights the need to focus on holistic health, including blood pressure and organ health. Promising treatments, like drugs developed for other conditions—SGLT inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor activators, and fenofibrate—also offer hope in slowing DRD progression.

Gardner’s team at the Mary Tyler Moore Vision Initiative is leading efforts to develop early DRD detection techniques and vision-preserving therapies. His optimism underscores the importance of routine screenings and a proactive approach to diabetes care, paving the way for better outcomes.