Email this Page
EMAIL
Print this Page
PRINT
12 14 16
TEXT SIZE
I am a type 2 diabeti
Diabetes Questions & Answers
Your diabetes questions answered by our Experts and Community


Can't find the answer you are looking for?
Ask a new question

The Question

10/31/09 04:38 PM

"I am a type 2 diabetic and am controlling it with diet and exercise. I take 2 Janumet per day. I went to the opthamalogist this week and he said "
Asked By: sterling801@yahoo.com  
Category: Type 2

Background Info Hide
I have intermediate macular degeneration. I am 65 and he says that it is not serious, but eye care is important. He gave me samples of eye vitamins to take 2 daily. The printout says don't take over 80 mg of zinc due to genitourinary tract problems. Along with my multi-vitamin that would put me over. I have had enough problems with UTI's in my lifetime, so I don't want to take a chance on any more problems. I was diagnosed as type 2 a little over 1 year ago. What should I do?

Expert Answers (1)

11/04/09 09:01 PM

Hello,

Thanks for bringing your question to dLife.

Macular degeneration usually progresses slowly, and many people with the condition are able to live relatively normal, productive lives.

Taking a high-dose formulation of antioxidants and zinc may reduce progression of macular degeneration. The National Eye Institute-sponsored Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) showed that a daily supplement of 500 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C, 400 international units (IU) of vitamin E, 15 mg of beta carotene (often as vitamin A — up to 25,000 IU), 80 mg of zinc (as zinc oxide) and 2 mg of copper (as cupric oxide) reduced the risk of progressing to moderate or severe vision loss by up to 25 percent. Click here to read about this treatment!

People with intermediate AMD and who are advised to take a formulation like those used in the AREDS, should review the supplements they are taking with their primary care doctors and/or eye care professionals. In addition to their study medication, most of the participants in the AREDS took a multivitamin that contained the approximate recommended dietary allowance of most vitamins and minerals. Click here to read some frequently asked questions about AREDS!

Take care.

Answered By: Liz Quintana
Accreditations: EdD, RD, LD, CDE,CPT
Sources Show

Community Answers (0)

There are currently no community answers to this question. Be the first to Post an Answer
 

*** All information contained on dLife.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Our Expert Q&A is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional or for professional medical advice related to diabetes or another medical condition. Please contact your physician or medical professional with any questions and concerns about your medical condition.