Geeta Devi Geeta Devi Asked 7 months ago

How long does it take to go blind from diabetes?

My elder sister has had diabetes for many years and now her eyesight is getting worse. It makes me wonder, how long does it usually take for someone to go blind because of diabetes if it's not managed properly?

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5 answers

Sreelekha Pillai Sreelekha Pillai Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago
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Eye damage from diabetes is a very slow process, usually taking 10 to 20 years of poorly managed sugar levels. Just like managing my thyroid, you need regular blood tests and annual retinal scans with an eye specialist to catch any micro-damage early. Do follow up with your doctor regularly.

Anjali Nair Anjali Nair Joined Feb 2026 7 months ago

Yes, diabetic retinopathy takes many years of uncontrolled blood sugar to develop, so keeping your HbA1c in check is crucial.

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Consult a endocrinologist

Aditya Verma Aditya Verma Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago

It takes a long time, usually 15-20 years of high sugars, to cause severe eye damage. As a foodie, I know how hard it is to say no to sweets, but we have to manage our cravings for the sake of our eyes and overall health.

Sanjay Yadav Sanjay Yadav Joined Jan 2026 7 months ago

Listen, blindness doesn't happen suddenly unless you completely ignore your health for decades. Keep your sugars under control, stop eating sweets on the sly, and get an eye checkup once every year. It is as simple as that.

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Pooja Mehta Pooja Mehta Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago

Please don't stress too much! This only happens if diabetes is left completely untreated and uncontrolled for many, many years. If you are taking your medicines on time and visiting your doctor, your eyes will be perfectly fine.

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