What is the single most effective strategy for preventing or slowing the progression of Diabetic Retinopathy (DR)?
Rigorous control of blood pressure and blood sugar levels
Diabetic Retinopathy stems directly from systemic metabolic dysfunction, specifically uncontrolled high blood sugar damaging the fine vessels of the retina. Because the root cause is metabolic, the most potent preventative and slowing measure is addressing that root cause systemically. The text explicitly states that the single most effective strategy for preventing or slowing the progression of DR is the rigorous control of both blood pressure and blood sugar levels. While laser treatments or injections can manage progression once damage occurs, maintaining optimal cardiovascular health indirectly supports the delicate circulation required by the retina and optic nerve, making strict adherence to metabolic management the foundational defense against this condition.
