Newly diagnosed - and just told I already have 'slight changes' to my eyes!

[MardyJane]

Hello, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 3 weeks ago after being pre-diabetic for years. I had a routine eye test last week where the optician said she couldn't see any signs of damage to my retina, but that I was developing cataract in both eyes. Being told I'd got cataract shocked me, but I was at least relieved that there was no sign of retinopathy. But then I had a diabetic retinopathy eye-screening appointment at the hospital a few days ago, and a letter has come saying that "the results of your eye screening show that you have some slight early diabetic changes to your eye/s". The letter goes on to say that there is no cause for concern and no immediate risk to my vision but I should concentrate on controlling my diabetes and continue to attend screening appointments. I'm terrified though! Just 3 weeks ago my world was completely normal and all I worried about was trying to lose weight and avoid getting diabetes. And when I was diagnosed I was determined to really get my act together lose weight and exercise and try to get it into remission before any damage was done. But it looks as though damage has already been done even though I've only just been diagnosed, and I've got not just 1 but 2 eye conditions that can cause blindness untreated! I am struggling to get my head round this. I'm on 1 x 500g of metformin a day, and following a low carb diet. I've lost 5kg in 3 weeks and my blood sugar has reduced - I was feeling reassured about this, but then I read that a sudden reduction in blood sugar can actually make the retinopathy suddenly get worse! I am so scared now, and so frightened that between the cataract and the retinopathy I am going to end up going blind... Please can someone advise me if it's possible to stop the progression of the eye damage if I can manage to get into remission? thank you

 

[AndBreathe]

Hello, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 3 weeks ago after being pre-diabetic for years. I had a routine eye test last week where the optician said she couldn't see any signs of damage to my retina, but that I was developing cataract in both eyes. Being told I'd got cataract shocked me, but I was at least relieved that there was no sign of retinopathy. But then I had a diabetic retinopathy eye-screening appointment at the hospital a few days ago, and a letter has come saying that "the results of your eye screening show that you have some slight early diabetic changes to your eye/s". The letter goes on to say that there is no cause for concern and no immediate risk to my vision but I should concentrate on controlling my diabetes and continue to attend screening appointments. I'm terrified though! Just 3 weeks ago my world was completely normal and all I worried about was trying to lose weight and avoid getting diabetes. And when I was diagnosed I was determined to really get my act together lose weight and exercise and try to get it into remission before any damage was done. But it looks as though damage has already been done even though I've only just been diagnosed, and I've got not just 1 but 2 eye conditions that can cause blindness untreated! I am struggling to get my head round this. I'm on 1 x 500g of metformin a day, and following a low carb diet. I've lost 5kg in 3 weeks and my blood sugar has reduced - I was feeling reassured about this, but then I read that a sudden reduction in blood sugar can actually make the retinopathy suddenly get worse! I am so scared now, and so frightened that between the cataract and the retinopathy I am going to end up going blind... Please can someone advise me if it's possible to stop the progression of the eye damage if I can manage to get into remission? thank you

Mardyjane, first and foremost don't panic!

I have no idea how old you are, but many, many people develop cataracts as they age, and by-and-large, they are fairly routine to sort out, if or when the time comes.

Retinopathy is a bit of a pest, but it not uncommon, at all stages of living with diabetes, although most common after a while. It is very worthwhile saying retinopathy can come and go, and not all retinopathy is due to diabetes.

In terms of eye health, keeping your blood sugars in check and keeping an eye on your blood pressure are pretty important.

Your GP will have a letter from the screening service too, which goes into a bit more detail than the ones we receive. If you continue to be concerned, it could be worthwhile having a conversation with him or her.

 

[trophywench]

20 minutes to sort each cataract.

I've had background diabetic changes to my eyes since the mid 1990s.

Had both cataracts done. Never ever so far needed any treatment for the background changes.

 

[Drummer]

I had background retinopathy when first checked, but the following year all was normal and it has stayed that way. I keep my blood glucose normal eating a low carb diet, and so it cleared up by itself.
My husband had cataracts in both eyes, and was treated some time ago now. Even in the time between each eye being done the surgeon had been able to make improvements in the treatment, so obviously it is something ongoing rather than a 'no more can be done' procedure.

 

[MardyJane]

Hello everyone, thank you all for replying to me, I've been in such a state of panic ever since the letter came this morning and it's really calmed me down to read your responses.
I'm 54 and I was first told that my blood sugar was slightly elevated 10 years ago. Since then I've been in a spiral of crash dieting and weight gain. It's like diabetes was always on the horizon but now the horizon has caught up with me and it's a scary place....
But again, thank you all so much for your reassurance, have a good evening everyone 🙂

 

[Drummer]

Hello everyone, thank you all for replying to me, I've been in such a state of panic ever since the letter came this morning and it's really calmed me down to read your responses.
I'm 54 and I was first told that my blood sugar was slightly elevated 10 years ago. Since then I've been in a spiral of crash dieting and weight gain. It's like diabetes was always on the horizon but now the horizon has caught up with me and it's a scary place....
But again, thank you all so much for your reassurance, have a good evening everyone 🙂

I do wish that people were given the information they need - I suspect that you were told to lose weight, rather than control blood glucose levels.
The standard modern diet is loads of 'healthy' carbs - which is doing so many people no good at all.
By reducing the carbohydrates many type twos can reverse their diabetes, get normal numbers and suddenly they find their weight is reducing too - because weight gain is often a symptom of type two, not the cause of it.
I went strictly low carb from diagnosis, but seem to have survived unscathed.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Sorry to hear you were upset and alarmed by the letters @MardyJane

I think the way they are written leaves quite a bit to be desired, and you aren’t the first person to have been distressed by the way the news is shared.

I’m another who has had ‘background changes’ come and go a few times over the years. The best bet seems to be to aim for a gradual, sustained improvement to your levels rather than trying to hurry too much. A more gradual change in levels can be easier on the fine blood vessels, and allow your body to adjust.

Take your Drs advice about blood pressure too, and keeping this i
near the optimal range helps too.

Congratulations on your terrific weight loss! Keep going 🙂