While drinking coffee has many known health benefits, researchers have found another potential benefit of coffee for eye health conditions. An ophthalmological complication of diabetes, diabetic retinopathy is the main cause of vision loss and blindness in subjects with diabetes. Today, nutritional therapy is a huge part of diabetes management and can contribute to the prevention of late diabetes complications. Of course, this includes caffeine intake.
Findings from previous studies demonstrated that a higher consumption of coffee is associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Meanwhile, a recent study found that moderate and high caffeine intake was associated with a 65% reduced risk of diabetic retinopathy in subjects with type 2 diabetes without other late diabetic complications.
However, this experimental model did not support the findings in humans. This may be due to other potential compounds, such as antioxidants, in coffee and tea, which could have protective effects on the retina. Still, this indicates a need for further studies to determine the possible benefits and effects of caffeine intake and other compounds in drinks like coffee and tea and the potential mechanisms to prevent diabetic retinopathy and retinal damage in diabetic patients.
Caffeine and diabetes
Aside from diabetic retinopathy, caffeine actually has quite a history with diabetes. As mentioned above, studies have shown that drinking coffee may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Caffeine also can impact other health factors associated with diabetes. A 2023 study found that higher plasma caffeine concentrations were associated with lower BMI and whole body fat mass. Approximately half of the effect of caffeine on type 2 diabetes liability was estimated to be mediated through BMI reduction.
Meanwhile, previous studies have linked a moderate and relative increase in caffeine consumption to improved heart health and reduced BMI. Still, it's important to note that the significant link between caffeine levels, BMI, and type 2 diabetes risk has not established a relationship between caffeine in the blood and cardiovascular diseases such as atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and stroke.
Researchers also emphasize that caffeine affects people differently. For example, some genes are associated with the speed at which caffeine is broken down. Those with variations affecting the genes tend to break caffeine down more slowly, allowing it to remain in the blood longer. At the same time, they also tend to drink less caffeine in general.
Other tips for preventing and managing diabetic retinopathy
People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. Prolonged UV exposure can add to the eyes' stress and even lead to the development of diabetic macular edema (DME), which can lead to blurred or distorted vision. Meanwhile, diabetic retinopathy can make patients more sensitive to light.
As such, wearing sunglasses can provide essential sun and UV protection. If you're already wearing glasses for vision correction, you can always opt to wear prescription sunglasses, which gives you the best of both worlds. Online eyewear retailer FramesDirect offers prescription shades from brands like Oakley, Wiley, and Maui Jim, so you can easily find the right sunglasses styles and features for your daily activities.
Aside from investing in a good pair of sunglasses, you should also stay hydrated. In our post on maintaining the coffee-water balance, we highlighted how, while coffee certainly has health benefits, relying solely on caffeinated drinks for hydration isn't ideal. A glass of water before your morning coffee can help replenish any fluids lost during sleep and prepare your body for hydration.
Hydration status can affect the occurrence and progression of various diseases, including chronic kidney disease (CKD). Studies have found that dehydration can be a major risk factor for the development of CKD in non-diabetic patients. Lower hydration has also been found to be associated with an increased risk of diabetic retinopathy.
Finally, it's also essential to keep yourself moving and physically active. Today, physical activity is considered a cost-effective, feasible, and accessible lifestyle intervention to delay the onset and progression of many diseases, including cancer, hypertension, and diabetes.
A growing number of studies have also shown that exercise positively impacts eye health in patients with diabetic retinopathy. Today, the World Health Organization recommends that people aged 18 to 64 years perform at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise, or an equivalent combination weekly.