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

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

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

2. Understanding Diabetic Eye Complications

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

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

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

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

3. Prevention and Early Detection

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

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

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

4. Treatment Options and Progression

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

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

   • Evolution of examination processes and data collection in ophthalmology.

5. Advancements in Imaging Technologies

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

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

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

6. Challenges in Patient Education and Communication

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

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

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

7. Balancing Health and Quality of Life

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

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

   • 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  Navigating Personal Opinions in Medical Podcasts
00:20  Uncovering the Success Story of Dr. Jonathan David Tijerina: From Athlete to Chief Resident in Miami
03:48  Understanding Diabetic Retinopathy and Its Relationship to Diabetes Control
10:18  Understanding the Importance of Regular Eye Exams for Diabetes Patients
18:50  Understanding the Progression and Treatment of Diabetic Eye Disease: A Personal Experience and Medical Insights
28:50  Unveiling the Evolution of Eye Health Examination and Data Collection in Diabetes Treatments
28:54  Evolution of Diabetic Eye Exams: From Old School to High-Tech
32:32  The Impact of Advanced Imaging on Early Detection of Diabetic Retinopathy
36:09  Understanding the Impact of Pregnancy on Diabetes Complications and Eye Health
39:18  Navigating Patient Education and Awareness in Diabetic Eye Disease
43:17  Understanding the Emotional and Practical Challenges of Diabetes Complications
46:42  Importance of Immediate Eye Care for Floaters and Establishing Vision Goals with Your Ophthalmologist
50:20  Balancing Diabetes Management with Life Changes: A Doctor's Perspective
54:14  Inspiring Stories of Overcoming Challenges in Ophthalmology and Aviation

Mentioned in this Episode: Eritrea’s Article, “Diabetic Macular Edema: How I Almost Went Blind”