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

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  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”