Diabetic retinopathy

[David Forfar]

I have slight background retinopathy average hba1c 50 had diabetes 5 years on one metarformin .Is it normal after 5 years to have this I know people on more tablets had it longer and no background retinopathy

 

[rebrascora]

It seems to be very hit and miss. I have only been diagnosed 20 months and my last screening in Feb detected background retinopathy. I believe there is no real cause for concern and that it may improve before your next screening. The important thing is to manage your BG levels as well as possible and try to prevent big spikes in it by avoiding carb rich foods and doing your best to reduce your overall HbA1c

 

[Kaylz]

I have had good control all through my journey and needed lasering for proliferative retinopathy 2 years into my diagnosis, I think your spending too much time worrying about the what ifs, it isn't normal for that 2 years in but hey we just deal with things when they arise nothing else you can do, even the best of control doesn't stop complications, you've just got to try your best and take the hand your dealt I'm afraid xx

 

[Lucyr]

I’ve known people with long term high bgs that don’t get it, and people with good bgs that do get it. Seems to be a bit of luck involved, or maybe related to how long the person had diabetes before diagnosis. Keeping as good blood sugars as you can seems to help retinopathy so I’d focus more on doing what you can than the what might happen.

 

[helli]

@David Forfar I don't think anyone knows exactly why some people with diabetes get more complications such as retinopathy than others. Lower blood sugars reduce risk but "reduced risk" does not mean "zero risk".

I notice you mention that you have had type 2 diabetes for 5 years. I assume this is based on when you were diagnosed. As untreated type 2 diabetes can creep up on us, I believe most people have had the condition for years before their diagnosis. And, unfortunately, damage can be done during this period of ignorance.

My philosophy has been to try not to look back on what I could have done to stop what is happening now but to focus on the present and the future. In the past, I have had background retinopathy but this has been reversed - it is possible through good diabetes management ... and a bit of luck. So, whilst you have this retinopathy diagnosis now, don't give up. A Hb1AC of 50 is good going.

 

[trophywench]

Same reason why I haven't yet had cancer yet all my close family (mom dad and one older sister) all had it and I haven't as yet.

Husband's younger sibling is the only one in his immediate family who hasn't had cancer either, whereas Pete and his mom and dad all did. He has had different health problems.

Who knows the secrets of why? All part of life's rich pattern!