Panicking - help needed!

T1caz

Member
Messages
7
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi, I am new to this forum and seeking some advice. I have been diabetic for thirteen years, on tablets for the first couple of years ( only 22 when first diagnosed) then on insulin ever since. Sugar control has not been good over the last few years and it has been quite rough- also diagnosed as a celiac in January and was badly suffering from malnutrition. No b12, low b6, iron less than 5 so had iron transfusion, ovaries had shut down and was painfully thin etc....... Since goof gluten free this has all improved. I am trying to sort myself out and have Been trying to get a really tight control of my sugar, and it's working well. I am feeling very low though- what damage have I done to myself? Will I still be here in ten years time, with working feet and eyes?

I have read some of your posts and am very worried. I have also had some issues with my left eye and think it may be neuropathy however - question for you - the little wobbly patch is not there all the time, it comes and goes. Just about to go away so can't go to the hospital just yet ( unless it gets worse suddenly) but in the mean time will be googling and worrying myself to death.

Can anyone give me any advice that might put mind at ease?

I can't sleep, which is making it worse
 

T1caz

Member
Messages
7
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi, I am new to this forum and seeking some advice. I have been diabetic for thirteen years, on tablets for the first couple of years ( only 22 when first diagnosed) then on insulin ever since. Sugar control has not been good over the last few years and it has been quite rough- also diagnosed as a celiac in January and was badly suffering from malnutrition. No b12, low b6, iron less than 5 so had iron transfusion, ovaries had shut down and was painfully thin etc....... Since goof gluten free this has all improved. I am trying to sort myself out and have Been trying to get a really tight control of my sugar, and it's working well. I am feeling very low though- what damage have I done to myself? Will I still be here in ten years time, with working feet and eyes?

I have read some of your posts and am very worried. I have also had some issues with my left eye and think it may be neuropathy however - question for you - the little wobbly patch is not there all the time, it comes and goes. Just about to go away so can't go to the hospital just yet ( unless it gets worse suddenly) but in the mean time will be googling and worrying myself to death.

Can anyone give me any advice that might put mind at ease?

I can't sleep, which is making it worse


Ps sorry if I sound like a totally pathetic wuss but now I have these thoughts in my head I can't just forget them.
 

Cherry-Pie

Member
Messages
16
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi T1caz

I had similar worries when my sugars became under control quickly, as my sugars have not always been so well controlled as they are now. The way I look at it is that now they are under control, I am reducing the complications and you can't change the past, its made you who you are today, but you can change the future - so the best I can do is make sure I keep my sugars stable from now on..

I can't remember the stats, but even by getting your sugars under control now, you have reduced the risks of complications :)

You should be so proud of what you have achieved, it sounds as though you have come a long way since January xx
 

Adele99

Well-Known Member
Messages
143
Must have been really difficult for you dealing with coeliac disease and diabetes, so don't be too hard on yourself. The main thing is now your control is a lot better and things are on the up, so well done for that.

Damage normally takes a long time to develop, in my case it took 25 to over 30 years and even then it only seems to have affected my circulation and nerves. My eye consultant said my optic nerve is as healthy as his and used to comment with the quality of my retina , my BS control must be terrifically controlled when in truth it wasn't always . Only recently has he said I've now got moderate retinopathy but it doesn't really affect my vision. He also said sometimes our bodies can withstand a certain amount of damage over the years as nature is an incredible force. So it very well could be that damage if any could be minimal and not have any effect on your life.

Same with my feet and legs, this is a fairly recent development over past couple of years. I'm not that well informed on eyes compared to many others so hope they'll come along and advise you later. As I've read some really interesting posts on this forum about it.

If you're really worried about this blob you sometimes see , can you ask for an appointment with your optician before you go away, might help to put your mind at rest I , as it would be a shame to ruin a holiday worrying. And avoid threads on complications at least until you come back your hols.

Keep well.
 

jack412

Expert
Messages
5,618
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
as others have said, I would get a referral to get your eyes checked properly, what symptoms that come and go may not matter when the eyes are tested, they may look for any vein damage and see if any treatment is needed https://www.google.com.au/#q=retinopathy+diabetes
for piece of mind and a rough check, you can just go to an optometrist and they have the picture eye scan check (whatever its called)

I found sudden sugar control can make your vision blurry and will settle as the glucose leaves the eye lens, so don't be in a rush to get new glasses

you can't worry about what might have been damaged, it will drive you nuts, draw a line under it and move on
your blood tests will give you a good idea on any kidney/organ problems that needs treatment, if those are reasonable, I would relax a bit, get the normal checks for your feet, teeth and eyes
 

T1caz

Member
Messages
7
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Thank you. A bit of encouragement goes a long way and I feel a little more reassured.
 

izzzi

Well-Known Member
Messages
4,207
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Hi T1caz,:)
Sounds as if you have been suffering from "Celiac" well before it was diagnosed. Thankfully the gluten free diet including good control with your diabetes will give you long term life.
I also had a similar eye problem, my GP arranged a appointment with the eye consultant. On the first visit the consultant told me exactly what the problem was which immediately put my over worried mind to rest. After 4 three monthly visits the problem seemed to go away (occasionally slightly returns when I get over tired).
Changing the subject slightly, when I had trouble sleeping, A member on this forum said stop drinking coffee and tea unless it is caffeine free about 5 hours before bedtime, this helped me to sleep.
When you take away your worry and stress you will be a million times better.Then you can start giving us oldies good advice.

Take care and please do things your way.:):):)
 

noblehead

Guru
Retired Moderator
Messages
23,618
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
Dislikes
Disrespectful people
I have read some of your posts and am very worried. I have also had some issues with my left eye and think it may be neuropathy however - question for you - the little wobbly patch is not there all the time, it comes and goes. Just about to go away so can't go to the hospital just yet ( unless it gets worse suddenly) but in the mean time will be googling and worrying myself to death.

What is this ''wobbly patch'' ?

There's a condition called Focal neuropathy that can effect the eyes and this can cause blurred vision or double vision, but unless you've been diagnosed with this condition then it's difficult to say.

The warnings you've read about on here and elsewhere about sudden tightening of bg control making eye conditions worse is for those who have a condition called Diabetic Retinopathy, if you've been told that you have retinopathy then you should always consult your Ophthalmologist or diabetes specialist before tightened up bg control, the usual advice for people with retinopathy is to make small changes and improve bg control over a long period of time rather than weeks or months.

If you do have retinopathy then have a good read round the following site, it has a wealth of information which you should find useful:

http://www.diabeticretinopathy.org.uk/Information_for_patients.html