Episode 275 - Dr. Jonathan David Tijerina - T1D, Ophthalmologist, StanfordMD, and Former XC Athlete Diabetics Doing Things Podcast

    • Health & Fitness

Disclaimer: The ideas expressed in this interview reflect the personal
opinions of Jonathan Tijerina and do not necessarily reflect the views of
the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute or the University of Miami Health. Medical
decisions should be made with the collaboration of a licensed healthcare
provider. Thank you! 

In this episode of Diabetics Doing Things, Rob and Eritrea are joined by
Dr. Jonathan David Tijerina, a former athlete turned medical resident,
shares valuable insights on diabetic eye complications, focusing on
retinopathy and macular edema. The conversation delves into the importance
of lifestyle factors, regular eye check-ups, and advancements in treatment
options for preserving vision in diabetic patients.

Topics discussed:

1. Dr. Jonathan David Tijerina's Journey and Expertise

o Former athlete turned medical resident specializing in treating
diabetic eye complications.

o Career progression, including being appointed as the 1st
interior segment chief resident at Baskin Palmer Eye Institute.

2. Understanding Diabetic Eye Complications

o Fear of retinopathy among diabetics and its correlation with
glucose control.

o Impact of physiology and health conditions on susceptibility to
complications.

o Importance of addressing systemic issues along with localized
eye problems.

o Significance of lifestyle factors like diet and exercise in
managing diabetic eye issues.

3. Prevention and Early Detection

o Importance of regular eye exams for early detection and
prevention of complications.

o Guidelines recommending annual eye exams for type 2 diabetics
within the first five years of diagnosis.

o Managing blood sugar, exercise, sleep, high cholesterol, and
blood pressure for preventing eye damage.

4. Treatment Options and Progression

o Treatments including injections and laser therapy to preserve
vision and prevent irreversible damage.

o Early detection through routine screenings for better outcomes
and prevention of serious complications like blindness.

o Evolution of examination processes and data collection in
ophthalmology.

5. Advancements in Imaging Technologies

o Improved screening and imaging methods leading to more
diagnoses and early detection.

o Implications of advanced technologies like at-home retina
photo-taking and cell phone attachments.

o Correlation between risk factors for diabetic eye complications
and overall diabetes control.

6. Challenges in Patient Education and Communication

o Educating patients about diabetic eye disease without blame or
shame.

o Importance of clear communication, continuity clinics, and
early screening.

o Emotional burden faced by healthcare providers in delivering
difficult news to patients.

7. Balancing Health and Quality of Life

o Importance of regular screenings, following medical advice, and
managing conditions like diabetes effectively.

o Prioritizing eye health and establishing personalized vision
goals with ophthalmologists.

o Balancing quality of life with diabetes management, especially
during personal and career changes.

Key takeaways:

* Prioritize health, listen to medical professionals, and take
proactive steps to manage diabetes effectively.

* Seek immediate medical attention for eye issues and establish
personalized care plans with ophthalmologists.

* Educate patients without blame, communicate effectively, and
emphasize the importance of early screening and treatment for
diabetic eye complications.

00:00  Naviga

Disclaimer: The ideas expressed in this interview reflect the personal
opinions of Jonathan Tijerina and do not necessarily reflect the views of
the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute or the University of Miami Health. Medical
decisions should be made with the collaboration of a licensed healthcare
provider. Thank you! 

In this episode of Diabetics Doing Things, Rob and Eritrea are joined by
Dr. Jonathan David Tijerina, a former athlete turned medical resident,
shares valuable insights on diabetic eye complications, focusing on
retinopathy and macular edema. The conversation delves into the importance
of lifestyle factors, regular eye check-ups, and advancements in treatment
options for preserving vision in diabetic patients.

Topics discussed:

1. Dr. Jonathan David Tijerina's Journey and Expertise

o Former athlete turned medical resident specializing in treating
diabetic eye complications.

o Career progression, including being appointed as the 1st
interior segment chief resident at Baskin Palmer Eye Institute.

2. Understanding Diabetic Eye Complications

o Fear of retinopathy among diabetics and its correlation with
glucose control.

o Impact of physiology and health conditions on susceptibility to
complications.

o Importance of addressing systemic issues along with localized
eye problems.

o Significance of lifestyle factors like diet and exercise in
managing diabetic eye issues.

3. Prevention and Early Detection

o Importance of regular eye exams for early detection and
prevention of complications.

o Guidelines recommending annual eye exams for type 2 diabetics
within the first five years of diagnosis.

o Managing blood sugar, exercise, sleep, high cholesterol, and
blood pressure for preventing eye damage.

4. Treatment Options and Progression

o Treatments including injections and laser therapy to preserve
vision and prevent irreversible damage.

o Early detection through routine screenings for better outcomes
and prevention of serious complications like blindness.

o Evolution of examination processes and data collection in
ophthalmology.

5. Advancements in Imaging Technologies

o Improved screening and imaging methods leading to more
diagnoses and early detection.

o Implications of advanced technologies like at-home retina
photo-taking and cell phone attachments.

o Correlation between risk factors for diabetic eye complications
and overall diabetes control.

6. Challenges in Patient Education and Communication

o Educating patients about diabetic eye disease without blame or
shame.

o Importance of clear communication, continuity clinics, and
early screening.

o Emotional burden faced by healthcare providers in delivering
difficult news to patients.

7. Balancing Health and Quality of Life

o Importance of regular screenings, following medical advice, and
managing conditions like diabetes effectively.

o Prioritizing eye health and establishing personalized vision
goals with ophthalmologists.

o Balancing quality of life with diabetes management, especially
during personal and career changes.

Key takeaways:

* Prioritize health, listen to medical professionals, and take
proactive steps to manage diabetes effectively.

* Seek immediate medical attention for eye issues and establish
personalized care plans with ophthalmologists.

* Educate patients without blame, communicate effectively, and
emphasize the importance of early screening and treatment for
diabetic eye complications.

00:00  Naviga

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