Diabetic Retinopathy: Mechanisms, Diagnosis, and Therapeutic Advances

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a serious microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), can cause vision loss and blindness. Controlling hyperglycemia is crucial for its prevention and management. This proposal explores the role of natural substances and nutrients with hypoglycemic properties as complementary treatments for DR. Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and polyphenols (e.g., curcumin, resveratrol), as well as natural compounds such as berberine, quercetin, and flavonoids, may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, angiogenesis, and the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs)-all key contributors to DR. These agents may enhance traditional diabetes therapies and help protect the retina. While generally safe, their clinical evidence remains limited. Further research is needed to determine their efficacy, optimal dosing, and long-term safety. Integrating these natural interventions into diabetes care could strengthen the overall treatment of DR and glycemic control.