Blog about diabetes

The supplement Pycnogenol is suppose to stop and in some cases
reverse eye problems in diabetics. Unlike some supplements, there
are true case studies to prove it. I guess this is another thing our
doctors forgot to tell us.
I hope this info helps someone on the board. I wish I heard about
this before my retina got partial detached (it is attached now and
healing nicely). I just ordered my supply on Monday, I will let you
guys know if it works.
Pycnogenol® Shown to Improve Eyesight in Diabetics
In a clinical study published in the May 2001 journal Phytotherapy
Research the antioxidant, Pycnogenol® helped 30 diabetics ward off
one of the most debilitating affects of the diabetes - diabetic
retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy involves bleeding in the eye, which
can lead to blindness. The study concluded that Pycnogenol® helped
slow progression of diabetic retinopathy (blindness) by sealing the

leaky capillaries that cause the condition.
The placebo controlled clinical study at the Italian University of
Aquila was carried out with 40 patients suffering from various forms
of retinopathies. Most patients were diabetics, others suffered from
hypertensive and atherosclerotic retinopathy. During the two-month
clinical study, the 30 participants taking Pycnogenol® showed no
deterioration of retinal function and some showed a significant
recovery of visual acuity in comparison to the progressively worsened
condition of the ten patient placebo-treated group.
Whereas the retinopathy progressively reduced the visual acuity in
the placebo treated patients, treatment with 150 mg Pycnogenol® daily
for 2 months significantly slowed down the deterioration of visual
acuity and, in some cases even improved the recovery.
Study Procedure
In the Pycnogenol® treated group, the significant reduction of
retinal blood capillary leakage was demonstrated by injecting a
fluorescent dye into the blood of patients, allowing to trace blood
leakage into the retina. The retina was scanned after light-
stimulation in a checkerboard pattern by measuring electric
responsiveness, a method termed electroretinography. This method
provides an objective measure for the integrity and function of the
retina. Pycnogenol® treated patients showed a clear and significant
improvement, whereas placebo treated patients remained unaffected.
The physicians scored the efficacy of Pycnogenol® as “good” to “very
good” in 53% of the patients. The tolerabilty was very good in all
patients.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Particularly for diabetics, this condition represents a serious
threat. After 20 years from the onset of diabetes, over 90% of the
people with type 1 diabetes and more than 60% of people with type 2
diabetes will have diabetic retinopathy.1 Unfortunately, there are
hardly any warning signs, the condition causes no symptoms until it
is relatively advanced. Therefore, regular screening for retinopathy
is most important for diabetics.
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading form of blindness in people under
the age of 60 in the US and affects more than 5.3 million Americans.
Some diabetics are looking to natural sources to keep their eyes
healthy. Pycnogenol® has shown a positive affect in five clinical
studies, including more than 1,000 diabetics, in strengthening the
tiny capillaries in the eye. Researchers conducted the studies
because Pycnogenol® has been shown to strengthen the circulatory
system in dozens of studies over the last two decades.
Other Pycnogenol® Benefits
In addition to the extensive research in diabetic retinopathy,
Pycnogenol® has been studied in connection with other complications
associated with diabetes. Diabetes increases the production of free
radicals, which damage the body by increasing the risk of heart
attack, nerve damage, cataracts, blindness and stroke.
While Pycnogenol® helps guard against health risks linked to
diabetes, the antioxidant also increases the body’s defenses, like
Vitamin C and E, to maintain general health. Most importantly,
Pycnogenol® has been extensively researched for its safety and can be
taken continuously without side effects.