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Loss of vision due to retinal degeneration is a devastating complication of diabetes. Now Johns Hopkins research ophthalmologists report in the journal Science Translational Medicine preclinical studies that demonstrate how low blood sugar episodes, known as hypoglycemia, that are experienced by diabetics trigger the development of the blinding retinal damage known as diabetic retinopathy.

Studying diabetic mice, the investigators discovered that levels of the protein hypoxia-inducible factor or HIF increase as blood sugar levels decline. HIF, in turn, initiates harmful retinal blood vessel leaks with exposure of retinal cells to toxic circulating elements. This leads to the retinal degeneration characteristic of diabetic retinopathy. Low blood sugar levels fail to induce this toxic chain reaction in non-diabetic mice.

The best news is that a drug labeled as 32-134D capably blocks the production of HIF and the increase in retinal blood vessel permeability responsible for diabetic retinopathy. This discovery sets the stage for the development of pharmaceutical agents with similar vision-preserving capabilities.

Meanwhile, if you are an insulin-dependent type 1 diabetic of any age, know that stringent control of your blood sugars should emphasize the prevention of hypoglycemic episodes. Speak with your medical team and develop insulin dosing strategies that fulfill this goal. Know how to recognize hypoglycemia and be prepared with foods to counteract it.

https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scitranslmed.adq5355

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250506105340.htm

#diabetes #hypoglycemia #hif #diabeticretinopathy #32134D