Women and Healthy Vision

April is Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month™ which reminds even the busiest woman to consider her eyesight-so easy to take for granted, yet clearly among your most vital assets. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, less than 21% of people who don’t use glasses or contacts get annual eye exams. This is a dangerous omission, as glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease don’t show symptoms early on and can cause damage before you know there’s a problem.

Never fear, there are some effective ways to safeguard your vision naturally. A big question to ask yourself, however, is whether you have-or may be at risk of developing-type 2 diabetes. Why? Because this makes you dangerously susceptible to several diabetic eye diseases-all of which can cause severe vision loss or even blindness. According to the National Eye Institute and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, diabetic eye disease may include:

• Diabetic retinopathy-damage to the blood vessels in the retina-is now the leading cause of blindness among America’s working-age population.
Cataract - clouding of the eye’s lens. Cataracts develop at an earlier age in people with diabetes.
• Glaucoma - increase in fluid pressure inside the eye that leads to optic nerve damage and loss of vision. A person with diabetes is nearly twice as likely to get glaucoma as other adults.

Nearly 50% of Americans diagnosed with diabetes have some stage of diabetic retinopathy. However, the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) showed that better control of blood sugar levels slows both the onset and progression of retinopathy. Diabetics who kept their blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible also had far less kidney and nerve disease.

Did you know that one of the easiest, most effective ways to stabilize your blood sugar is a healthy, protein-rich breakfast? Research suggests that whey protein is an ideal choice as it increases insulin sensitivity, which is linked to improved blood sugar control and reduced fat storage.1 One study found that while a high-fat diet promotes weight gain and metabolic complications linked to type 2 diabetes, introducing whey protein minimized weight gain and improved lean body mass, although calorie consumption was unchanged. Those consuming whey protein also had higher metabolic rates and less insulin resistance, further reducing diabetes risk.2

Busy mom? Opera singer? Triathlete or CEO? No matter how frenetic life is, you can easily squeeze in a quick whey protein shake or pocket a tasty whey protein bar for the road. Not only will you be in for a deliciously energizing treat, you’ll also be boosting overall wellness, protecting your waistline, anchoring your blood sugar levels, and helping to safeguard your precious vision.

References
1 J Nutr. 2004 Jun;134(6):1454-8
2 J Nutr. 2011 Feb 10. [Epub ahead of print]