How to Prevent Diabetic Eye Problems

Raena Morgan: How about diabetes and eye health? How does it affect eye health? Dr. Frank Murray: Oh, it's a major problem. A lot of people go blind because of diabetes. They may have cataracts. As you know, with diabetes, the whole body shuts down and so cataracts and blindness are terrible constituents. I have a whole chapter in my book on how people can take care of their eyes. There's also a chapter on how to take care of their feet and their kidneys. I think it's very useful information because diabetics often neglect taking care of their eyes with nutrients. You have to supply the eyes with sufficient nutrients. Vitamin C, for example, bioflavonoids, these are all very important in keeping the eyes healthy. And, as I say, blindness is a major problem with diabetics. Raena Morgan: And why is that? Dr. Frank Murray: Well they're not getting enough nutrients. To say vitamin C is very important. And so the eyes, obviously, develop the cataracts and other forms, macular degeneration. Raena Morgan: I was going to ask about that, macular degeneration. Dr. Frank Murray: Yes, well any of those eye problems, obviously impact on eyesight. And this unfortunately is a problem for many diabetics. Raena Morgan: So vitamin C is one of the nutrients they can take? Dr. Frank Murray: Vitamin C is fantastic. Raena Morgan: What else do you recommend? Dr. Frank Murray: Alpha lipoic acid is a wonderful nutrient. It's the number one nutrient for treating diabetes in Germany. Raena Morgan: Okay. Dr. Frank Murray: And not many people know about it. It's a vitamin like substance. Raena Morgan: Is it an antioxidant? Dr. Frank Murray: Yes, it is. Again, it strengthens the capillaries in the eyes and that sort of thing. And it's a wonderful supplement. Doctor Burt Bernstein is an authority on diabetes. He operates a holistic clinic in Las Cruces, New Mexico. And he recommends alpha lipoic acid for diabetes. As he has said, it's the number one treatment for diabetes in Germany. Raena Morgan: Well that's good to know. Thank you, Frank. Dr. Frank Murray: Yes.