• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

Background retinopathy

lovinglife

Moderator
Staff Member
Moderator
Messages
5,957
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Got my results from my latest eye scan today - my first since pre Covid days, for the first time ever it’s come back stating “some background retinopathy, no treatment needed, try to keep your diabetes in control and have another test in 12 months time”

well I don’t know what more I can do! I eat full clean keto as much as possible, usually about 15g carb a day - Hba1c 48, cholesterol 5.something ratios spot on. Just lost another 3 stone in the last 6/8 months. All my other markers like liver etc fine - liver was massively improved. Do I need to be concerned? I don’t feel particularly concerned it was just a bit of a shock
 
I’ve been type 2 for nearly six years, with my HbA1c always 30 something. Of the five eye checks I’ve had two had background retinopathy, all the others were clear. I was really worried the first time it happened but it had gone the following year. Last year’s showed it so it remains to be seen what shows up this year.
 
Got my results from my latest eye scan today - my first since pre Covid days, for the first time ever it’s come back stating “some background retinopathy, no treatment needed, try to keep your diabetes in control and have another test in 12 months time”

well I don’t know what more I can do! I eat full clean keto as much as possible, usually about 15g carb a day - Hba1c 48, cholesterol 5.something ratios spot on. Just lost another 3 stone in the last 6/8 months. All my other markers like liver etc fine - liver was massively improved. Do I need to be concerned? I don’t feel particularly concerned it was just a bit of a shock
Hi,

I’ve had retinopathy scans for “donkeys.” (Ears, “years.”)
As a kid? I’m sure they just shone a light. Lol, assuming the eye doc’s eyesight is alright.
Nothing. Then during my teens.. “Polaroid” shake & develop pics. One for each eye? (I was not good during those years but the “scans” always were???)

The tech has become more advanced of late. “Digital?”
If it’s any consolation to you. I needed to renew my driving licence in January. Hadn’t seen anyone, not so much as a letter since 2020? The opticians was the year before.. (glasses.) so, there was a flurry of appointments.. Not really by my own design time ticks on..
The good news is my prescription lenses haven’t changed. But I’m getting mixed messages on the “other stuff.” Including…. “A new one.”
Be mindful by all means. but not down-beaten or alarmed.. some have mentioned a pick up on “BR” then it goes the next time?

Best wishes..
 
Thanks guys, I’ve seen posts on here before saying much the same as yourselves so I’m not unduly worried but like you say being mindful, coming up 14 years and still only on metformin and diet so must be doing something right lol. It is a timely reminder though that even with good/great control we are not 100% guaranteed to avoid all complications. We can only do our best

Thanks guys x
 
Lovinglife can I ask how many years you have had diabetes. I had a similar experience for the first time some background retinopathy showed up. And yes it does feel like a shock to your system. I have had diabetes for 42 years and I am learning that it's more common than I thought to end up with some background retinopathy. I received the same message come back in a year for a recheck as no treatment needed at this time. I just purchased a diet book co written by a ophthalmologist regarding earing for good eye care. Dr. Johanna Soddered."eat right for good eye sight". I figure it can only help to eat as healthy as I can.
 
@Flowercity Coming up 14 years T2 with good control almost since diagnosis- my latest results are in my signature if you want to see them :)
 
Back
Top