The chapter on retinopathy, neuropathy and foot care in the American Diabetes Association's (ADA) 2026 Standards of Care in Diabetes notes that these microvascular complications are closely tied to both how long someone has had diabetes and the degree of chronic hyperglycemia sustained over time.
The document recommends implementing strategies that help people with diabetes reach their glucose, blood pressure and lipid targets, since this combined control does the most to reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy appearing or slow its progression.
Foot care is also stressed as part of this same complication family: neuropathy can reduce sensation and let wounds or irritation go unnoticed, so periodic foot checks remain a central recommendation for preventing ulcers.