Vitamin D Deficiency Linked To Eyesight Threatening Retinopathy In Diabetes

A new review examines the association between vitamin D deficiency and diabetic retinopathy. A common complication of diabetes caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the retina, the thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye that senses light and sends signals to the brain, diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness if undiagnosed or left untreated. Published in the Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders by researchers from the UK, the review analyzes 12 studies involving a total of 9,057 diabetes patients.

The most common form of diabetic eye disease, diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in adults aged 20-74. Worldwide it is estimated that 103.12 million adults have the condition, 28.54 million of whom have it in its eyesight threatening form. By 2045 these numbers are expected to increase to 160.5 million and 44.82 million, respectively.

The review found that the presence of vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with the sight threatening form of diabetic retinopathy. The researchers therefore say that given the well-reported associations between a lack of vitamin D and other unfavorable health outcomes, it is important for deficiency to be managed appropriately and in a timely manner in diabetes patients in order to reduce the risk of blindness occurring.

Interestingly, analysis of the 12 studies included in the review found that vitamin D deficiency was not associated with the non-sight threatening form of diabetic retinopathy. The researchers suggest however that there is an inverse relationship between vitamin D levels and the severity of diabetic retinopathy. They also note that vitamin D supplementation has been linked to improved glycemic control.

Concluding that their review provides robust evidence of a significant relationship between vitamin D deficiency and the sight threatening form of diabetic retinopathy, the researchers recommend that levels of vitamin D should be regularly screened in people with diabetes and that supplementation should be given when needed.

The Cellular Medicine approach to eye health

For optimum reduction of the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy and other common eye diseases, supplementing with vitamin D alone is clearly not enough. As important as vitamin D is, maintaining normal functioning of the eyes requires a constant supply of several other key micronutrients as well. For diabetics and non-diabetics alike, ensuring a proper intake of all the various micronutrients that are needed for eye health is essential.

Dr. Rath’s Cellular Medicine approach to preventing and controlling common eye diseases is based on ensuring optimum levels of vitamins A, C and E, polyphenols from grape seeds, the amino acids arginine and cysteine, alpha lipoic acid, lutein, and mixed carotenoids. These micronutrients work together synergistically to protect the cells and structures of the eye and should be taken in addition to following his Basic Cellular Health Recommendations.

With a separate study recently confirming the benefits of supplements for slowing age-related macular degeneration, the evidence is growing that poor eye health need not be an inevitable consequence of the aging process. For natural health advocates whose eyes have already been opened to this visionary area of scientific research, the benefits of micronutrients for healthy eyes are now crystal clear!

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Paul Anthony Taylor

Executive Director of the Dr. Rath Health Foundation and one of the coauthors of our explosive book, “The Nazi Roots of the ‘Brussels EU'”, Paul is also our expert on the Codex Alimentarius Commission and has had eye-witness experience, as an official observer delegate, at its meetings.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Paul's background was in the music industry, where he worked as a keyboard player and programmer with artists including Paul McCartney, Bryan Ferry, Bill Withers, the Verve, Texas, and Primal Scream.

He first became interested in natural health after falling ill with a chronic fatigue syndrome-related disorder in 1991 and subsequently making a full recovery through the use of natural health therapies. After meeting Dr. Rath and Dr. Niedzwiecki at an anti-Codex rally in Berlin in 2002, Paul was inspired to make a life-changing decision to leave the music industry to work for the Foundation and help defend the right of patients worldwide to have free access to natural health approaches.

You can find Paul on Twitter at @paulanthtaylor

Der Executive Director der Dr. Rath Health Foundation ist einer der Koautoren des explosiven Buchs „Die Nazi-Wurzeln der Brüsseler EU“. Paul ist auch unser Experte zum Thema „Codex Alimentarius-Kommission“ und hat Augenzeugenerfahrung als offizieller beobachtender Teilnehmer bei diesen Treffen.

Bevor er seine Arbeit bei der Stiftung antrat war Paul in der Musikindustrie aktiv. Er arbeitete als Keyboard-Spieler und Programmierer mit Künstlern wie Paul McCartney, Bryan Ferry, Bill Withers, the Verve, Texas und Primal Scream.

Sein Interesse an natürlicher Gesundheit wuchs, als er 1991 an Störungen erkrankte, die aus einem chronischen Erschöpfungssyndrom resultierten. Durch natürliche Gesundheitstherapien wurde er schließlich vollständig geheilt. Ein Treffen 2002 mit Dr. Rath und Dr. Niedzwiecki bei einer Anti-Codex-Demonstration in Berlin inspirierte ihn zu einer lebensverändernden Entscheidung und er verließ die Musikindustrie um für die Stiftung zu arbeiten und das Recht der Patienten zu verteidigen, weltweit freien Zugang zu natürlichen Gesundheitsverfahren zu haben.

Auf Twitter ist Paul unter @paulanthtaylor zu finden.

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