Illustration depicting the progression of diabetic retinopathy and the importance of blood sugar control.

Diabetes and Your Eyes: Understanding the Risks and How to Protect Your Vision

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research from Beijing highlights key risk factors for diabetic retinopathy, offering insights for early detection and prevention."

Diabetes is a growing global health concern, and with it comes an increased risk of developing diabetic retinopathy (DR). DR is a major cause of vision impairment and blindness, but early detection and intervention can significantly reduce your risk.

Recent research conducted in Beijing, China, involving nearly 18,000 individuals, sheds light on specific risk factors for DR within a large population. This study helps us better understand who is most vulnerable and how to take proactive measures.

This article will explore the key findings of this research, translating complex data into practical advice you can use to safeguard your vision if you have diabetes or are at risk of developing it. We'll cover the identified risk factors, what they mean for your health, and steps you can take to minimize your chances of developing DR.

What the Beijing Study Revealed About Diabetic Retinopathy

Illustration depicting the progression of diabetic retinopathy and the importance of blood sugar control.

The Beijing study, published in BMJ Open, aimed to pinpoint the specific risk factors for DR in a large Chinese population. The researchers analyzed data from 17,985 individuals in the Changping area of Beijing, looking at various health indicators and eye examination results.

The study found that the prevalence of DR was 1.5% in the general population and 8.1% among individuals with diabetes. More importantly, the research identified several factors independently associated with DR in patients with diabetes:

Disease Duration: The longer someone has diabetes, the higher the risk of developing DR.
Body Mass Index (BMI): A higher BMI was linked to an increased risk.
Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP): Elevated systolic blood pressure also contributed to the risk.
Creatinine Clearance Rate (CCR): A lower CCR, indicating reduced kidney function, was associated with DR.
Uric Acid (UA): Uric acid levels played a role, with different effects observed in men and women.
Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG): Higher fasting plasma glucose levels significantly increased the risk.

These findings underscore the importance of managing diabetes effectively and addressing related health issues to protect your vision. Let's break down what each of these risk factors means for you.

Taking Control of Your Eye Health with Diabetes

The Beijing study provides valuable insights into the risk factors for diabetic retinopathy. While some factors like disease duration are unavoidable, many others are within your control.

By focusing on managing your blood sugar levels, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling your blood pressure, and monitoring your kidney function, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing DR and protect your vision. Regular eye exams are also crucial for early detection and treatment.

Empower yourself with knowledge and take proactive steps to manage your diabetes and safeguard your eyesight for years to come. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk factors and create a personalized plan for optimal eye health.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-015473, Alternate LINK

Title: Prevalence And Associated Factors Of Diabetic Retinopathy In Beijing, China: A Cross-Sectional Study

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: BMJ Open

Publisher: BMJ

Authors: Jing Cui, Ji-Ping Ren, Dong-Ning Chen, Zhong Xin, Ming-Xia Yuan, Jie Xu, Qi-Sheng You, Jin-Kui Yang

Published: 2017-08-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a serious eye condition that stems from diabetes. It arises when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina, potentially leading to vision loss and even blindness. Early detection and intervention are key to mitigating the risks associated with DR.

What were the key risk factors for diabetic retinopathy identified in the research?

The Beijing study highlighted several key factors that increase your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. They are: Disease Duration, Body Mass Index (BMI), Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Creatinine Clearance Rate (CCR), Uric Acid (UA), and Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG). Managing these factors through lifestyle adjustments and medical interventions can significantly reduce your risk.

Why is 'disease duration' considered a risk factor for diabetic retinopathy?

The research identified that longer 'Disease Duration', meaning the amount of time you have had diabetes, increases the likelihood of developing Diabetic Retinopathy. This is because extended exposure to high blood sugar levels over time damages the delicate blood vessels in the retina. Regular eye exams are crucial to monitor your eye health, especially if you've had diabetes for a longer period.

What are some of the modifiable risk factors that were identified?

Several modifiable risk factors were revealed in the research, including BMI, SBP, CCR, UA, and FPG. Managing your weight to maintain a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) is crucial. Controlling Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) through diet and medication if necessary. Monitoring kidney function through Creatinine Clearance Rate (CCR). Keeping uric acid levels in check, as well as, keeping 'Fasting Plasma Glucose' (FPG) levels under control with a balanced diet and medication, can decrease the risk of DR. These are factors you can directly influence through lifestyle modifications and medical care.

What can someone do to protect their vision if they have diabetes?

If you have diabetes or are at risk, there are several actionable steps you can take. Firstly, get regular eye exams to enable early detection. Secondly, work closely with your healthcare team to manage your diabetes effectively by controlling blood sugar levels. Third, pay attention to your overall health, including blood pressure, kidney function, and weight. By being proactive and addressing these factors, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing Diabetic Retinopathy.