What Glaucoma Can Tell You About Your Metabolism

The Study: Glaucoma and Metabolic Syndrome

Researchers looked at 100 patients with glaucoma. That’s pressure in the eye that can damage the optic nerve and—even worse—lead to blindness if left untreated.

Here’s what they found:

Out of those 100 patients, only one person had no signs of metabolic disease.

Let that sink in.

99 out of 100 people with glaucoma had at least one component of metabolic syndrome.

That’s huge.

What Is Metabolic Syndrome?

If you’ve followed me for a while, you know we talk about metabolic syndrome all the time.

It’s a cluster of conditions that all link back to how your body handles energy from food—mainly sugar and carbs.

Here are some of the signs:

  • High blood pressure
  • High blood sugar or insulin resistance
  • High triglycerides
  • Low HDL cholesterol (the good kind)
  • Belly fat (over 40 inches in men, 35 inches in women)
  • And I like to include high uric acid and low vitamin D, too

If you’ve got three or more of these, you’re said to have metabolic syndrome.

But let’s be real—most people today have at least one. In fact, around 93% of the population is dealing with some form of metabolic dysfunction.

The Glaucoma Link

So what does this have to do with your eyes?

Well, here’s what the study is saying loud and clear:

Glaucoma may be rooted in poor metabolic health.

If your blood sugar is high…
If you’re carrying too much belly fat…
If your triglycerides are up and your HDL is low…

Then your risk of glaucoma—and many other chronic issues—goes way up.

Diabetics and Glaucoma

Did you know diabetics are 70–80% more likely to develop glaucoma?

It’s not a coincidence.

Chronically high insulin and blood sugar levels damage blood vessels, increase inflammation, and can affect fluid balance in the eyes—leading to that dangerous pressure buildup.

It’s all connected.

It’s the Food

So what’s driving all this?

Sugar. Carbs. Processed foods.

We’ve said it before and we’ll keep saying it: metabolic syndrome is a food problem.

Too much sugar
Too many processed carbohydrates
Too little real, nutrient-dense food

That’s the root cause of:

  • Heart disease
  • Cancer
  • Alzheimer’s
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • And now—yes—glaucoma

The Sugar Problem in Numbers

Let’s look at some numbers to really show how far off track we’ve gone.

In the 1950s, the average person in North America ate about 25 pounds of sugar a year.

By the time my kids were growing up, that number had doubled to 50 pounds.

Now? Most people are eating close to 200 pounds of sugar a year.

That’s a dump truck load. Every year.

And most of it? People don’t even realize they’re eating it. It’s hidden in bread, sauces, cereals, yogurt, and drinks.

What’s the Takeaway?

If you do just one thing to improve your health today, do this:

Cut sugar.

Seriously. That one change can lower your risk of:

  • Glaucoma
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Inflammation
  • Cognitive decline
  • And so much more

It’s not always easy. But it’s worth it.

Final Thoughts

This study on glaucoma and metabolic syndrome might seem simple… but it’s powerful.

It shows, once again, that everything in the body is connected. Your eye health isn’t just about your eyes—it’s about your metabolism, your diet, and your daily choices.

So let’s make it simple:

  • Keep your blood sugar stable
  • Avoid added sugars and refined carbs
  • Eat real, whole foods—especially protein and healthy fats
  • Watch your waistline
  • And stay tuned in to what your body is telling you

Your health is worth it.

Talk to you soon.

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