Regular, high, and moderate intake of vegetables rich in antioxidants may reduce cataract risk in Central African type 2 diabetics

Sticking to a diet high in antioxidant-rich fruits and red beans may help halt the formation of cataracts in people with type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for the development of cataracts. This study evaluated the hypothesis that dietary intake of antioxidants from vegetables and red beans is associated with reduced risk of having cataracts in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Researchers obtained information about the eating habits and rate of cataract occurrence among 244 patients with type 2 diabetes residing in the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

Data analysis revealed that participants who preferred consuming antioxidant-loaded fruits and red beans had better chances of avoiding cataracts than their counterparts who ate little or none of these plant foods. The findings of this study strengthened the hypothesis that eating more red beans and fruits packed with antioxidants may make a patient with type 2 diabetes less likely to have cataracts.