A new study reported by Science Daily found that Individuals with the highest caloric intake were more likely to develop vision-threatening retinopathy. In addition, high sodium intake at the initial examination was associated with the development of macular edema. The researchers assessed 469 African American patients with type 1 diabetes between 1993 and 1998 and then again after six years.

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among 20- to 64-year-olds with diabetes.