Diabetes symptom that can appear in the eye - what to look for

If left untreated this symptom can result in blindness, the NHS warned.

Health experts have urged people to be wary of a red flag sign of a potentially dangerous health condition that appears in the eyes. According to the NHS, blurred vision can be a symptom of diabetes.

As many people know, diabetes is a serious and typically lifelong condition that causes your blood sugar levels to become too high. While it is not known exactly what causes type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes is often linked to factors such as being overweight and not exercising enough - but it can also run in families.

Although there is no cure for diabetes, there are treatments available to help ease symptoms. Therefore, picking up on any potential symptoms as soon as possible is vital.

The NHS explains that blurred vision can be due to a complication known as diabetic retinopathy, which can result in blindness if not addressed. 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.” Diabetes.co.uk also warns of this symptom, It says: “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 warns that diabetic retinopathy can affect people 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.