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Retinopathy - very worried

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itsallgood

itsallgood

Well-Known Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hi all, I had my annual diabetic eye screening the other day and wasn't at all worried because my D control has been pretty good, though I have had a few chocolate biscuits lately.

Got the results through yesterday and was rather shocked to read that I have developed background retinopathy. I expect many people will read that and think "PAH! nothing to worry about" but I am very worried, not least because I'm already blind in one eye as a result of an accident at four years old. If I lose my other eye then I'm finished.

I looked it up on Wikipedia and it says that this stage is reversible - how can I reverse it, just by cutting out any trace of unnecessary sugar in my diet? My HBA1C is only 6.1 and I try to minimise carbs but I do like a beer or two after work (Kronenbourg usually) or white wine, which I find is neutral for my BG levels.

Any suggestions?

Thanks :(
 
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I won't say 'pah!' at all, but hope to reassure you by telling you that this is a very common occurrence that usually disappears of its own accord if you maintain good, steady blood sugar levels and look after your blood pressure. I have had an almost perfect HbA1c since diagnosis (highest 6.2% otherwise in the 5% range) and have had the background retinopathy come and go more than once. Some of our members here will report that, although they have background retinopathy they have had it for many years without it getting any worse. So please don't worry and just keep doing what you are doing as you are clearly getting good control 🙂 There is a very long way for things to go before it will even begin to threaten your sight, and even then there are many treatments available now to deal with it. One thing you might look at in addition to your HbA1c is whether you experience lots of big swings in your blood sugars, as these are masked in your HbA1c. If you are, then you can work on reducing these - the steadier your levels, the less stress is placed on those small blood vessels 🙂
 
Thanks Northerner, excellent post. I do tend to get spikes in my BG, particularly after carbohydrates, especially beer, and my blood pressure tends to be a little on the high side so maybe that is contributing to this. I think I'll make an appointment to see the doctor and talk about my medication and blood pressure. It's always sky high when he measures it but not so bad at home, white coat syndrome probably. Just feels like my worst nightmare is starting to come true and before long I'll be as blind as a bat. Hopefully I can turn this around.

Thanks again.
 
I'm sure you can 🙂 I have the same problem when I am at the GPs with my blood pressure, but I bought a Blood Pressure Monitor for use at home, so I could get a real picture. Most of the time my BP is very good, except when I go through a phase of not taking proper care of myself and overindulging, particularly on alcohol. It gives me a good warning that I need to get back on track! 🙂

Are you on any medication currently for your BP?
 
Hi,

I just want to second everything that Northerner has said. I don't think that there is anything for you to worry about just yet (easier to say than do, though, I know!).

I too get a bit of white coat syndrome when my BP is tested (apart from the last time when I was spot on)! My BG levels are normally pretty stable but I do have the odd infrequent over-indulgence too. But, my retinopathy screenings have been fine ever since diagnosis in October, 2009 (so far).

Andy 🙂
 
I'm not on any meds for BP but I too bought a meter for home, same as the ones used at the docs, and it measures usually about 140/80 which is ok to a little high I think.

When the doctor measures it he usually says "it's a bit high so just calm down and I'll do it again in five minutes". Five minutes later it's gone up by 20%. I think it's probably psychological as I'm a born worrier.

I'll try a bit harder to get the BG spikes under control, maybe that will help, and perhaps it's time to start with some BP meds - I'll let you know how I get on.

Cheers Guys.
 
Don't know if it's any help but in 2011 my test showed I had background retinopathy, in 2012 I got an all clear.
 
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This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
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