The launch of a specialized dietary supplement (DiaVis, ScienceBased Health) to support the visual and overall health of those with diabetes was announced at the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting.

Currently 24 million Americans—8% of the population and nearly 25% of those aged 60 years or more—suffer from diabetes. This, added to the 57 million Americans with pre-diabetes, equals a total of 81 million Americans who either have the condition or are considered at risk, according to 2007 prevalence data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Retinopathy affects up to 80% of people with diabetes and is the most common diabetic eye disease and a leading cause of blindness.

Nutrients that are low in diabetics due to inadequate nutrient intake, increased excretion, and altered nutrient requirements due to higher oxidative stress or use of diabetes-related medications, have been identified by research. Antioxidants, which have been found to play an important role in helping to combat oxidative stress, are low in those with diabetes and retinopathy.

The supplement delivers a blend of key antioxidants (Pycnogenol) and other nutrients found to play a role in helping to combat oxidative stress and inflammation, and that tend to be low in those with diabetes. Also delivered are ingredients found to play a role in normal glucose metabolism and retinal vessel health.

"[The supplement] was developed for those with diabetes as well as the overwhelming number of people with pre-diabetes,” said Alain Magro, president, ScienceBased Health. "Research shows that damage to the body is already occurring in the pre-diabetes phase and that certain nutrients can play a crucial role in bolstering the body's defenses. We believe that [the supplement] represents the most advanced scientific research on the role of nutrition in diabetic health."