Diabetic retinal screening results

[AG_Falkirk]

Hello all,
I was diagnosed with Type 2 in 2012, but I have only recently joined this forum and finding it very informative and useful.
Wondered if I can ask a question about diabetic retinal screening results.
In Dec 2020, my test result said I had mild diabetic changes to my eyes
In March 2022, the result said I had no diabetic changes to my eyes.
I am pleased about my latest result, but I used to think that any changes to the retina caused by diabetes is irreversible. So does it mean the problem has corrected itself? I did ask my GP but she didnt shed any light on the difference seen in results.

-AG

 

[helli]

Yes, it is possible for diabetic retinal issues to resolve themselves when your blood sugars are reduced.
I have had Type 1 for 18 years and seen background retinopathy come and go a few times.
The other thing to bear in mind is that the checks are made by humans. Although they are checked and double checked (especially when they see an anomaly), they may interpret them slightly differently each year.

Well done on those results - you are right to be pleased.

 

[AG_Falkirk]

Thank you, that is quite reassuring to know. Helps keep me motivated to keep HbA1c in check.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Thank you, that is quite reassuring to know. Helps keep me motivated to keep HbA1c in check.

Great to hear that your background changes have cleared up @AG_Falkirk

I am another who has had that (unnecessarily scary?) letter, and then with a little renewed focus on keeping BG levels gently in range has had an ‘all clear’. Then changes another time… but then all ‘all clear‘ for several years since.

I was also told that retinopathy damage was irreversible, but I wonder if perhaps the background changes are minor enough to be able to clear up?

Some people seem to get background changes that appear, but then progress no further for years and years - so perhaps it’s just another one of those ’Your Diabetes May Vary’ thngs?