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Background Retinopathy

KimG

KimG

Well-Known Member
Messages
549
Location
West Sussex
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hello!

I was diagnosed 5 weeks ago and have had my first retina scan. I received a letter saying that I have background retinopathy, so was rather alarmed. I wonder how long I have been diabetic and why the diabetes wasn't picked up with all the trips I've made to the surgery in the last few years complaining about tiredness and thirst. I can't turn the clock back, but it would have been good to know earlier, I would at least have had the chance to prevent it. I've had my little rant lol and now I'm moving on. My DN is happy with my levels and weight loss. I will have another HbA1c test in November. :)
 
Try not to worry about the background retinopathy as they'll monitor your progress closely now that it has been picked up, just try and keep your bg, bp and cholesterol levels in range which will help matters immensely.

The following has some excellent information and advice on Retinopathy which you might want to have a read of:

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

Best wishes.
 
I'd been complaining of thirst many years before diagnosis and even then, diagnosis was an accident, having supplied a urine sample for an insurance policy. As you say, most annoying but you have to deal with the current situation. You know what to do and hopefully your next HbA1c will show the results of what you're doing. As for the retinopothy, I was looking at something called "Diabetes Mall" which describes Background Retinopothy as an early warning sign of possible problems to come. It also says "This warning sign is difficult to interpret---80% of people who have had diabetes for over 20 years have some BDR, but only about 1 out of every 4 or 5 of those with BDR will eventually suffer measurable vision impairment".
Blood glucose control is key in preventing further damage so hopefully things will be OK. I've been fortunate to have had good control for 18 years and no signs of retinopothy so far. I hope your retinopothy doesn't progress any further.
 
graj0 said:
I'd been complaining of thirst many years before diagnosis and even then, diagnosis was an accident, having supplied a urine sample for an insurance policy. As you say, most annoying but you have to deal with the current situation. You know what to do and hopefully your next HbA1c will show the results of what you're doing. As for the retinopothy, I was looking at something called "Diabetes Mall" which describes Background Retinopothy as an early warning sign of possible problems to come. It also says "This warning sign is difficult to interpret---80% of people who have had diabetes for over 20 years have some BDR, but only about 1 out of every 4 or 5 of those with BDR will eventually suffer measurable vision impairment".
Blood glucose control is key in preventing further damage so hopefully things will be OK. I've been fortunate to have had good control for 18 years and no signs of retinopothy so far. I hope your retinopothy doesn't progress any further.
Click to expand...
So do I. I cannot do more than I'm doing now. I'm losing weight and I've got my bg down to 5-6.5 fasting and after meals. I have the odd spike I'd I've eaten something that maybe I shouldn't have. I'm on LCHF. 1200 cals,and 30-35 carbs a day, sometimes a little under, sometimes a little over. I cycle a bit, golf a bit and do archery. I have policeman's heel,at the moment and I've come off statins for a,bit because I have pain in my shoulders and arms. Like you say, you have to, look forward.
 
@graj0 . How did you get diagnosed following a urine sample? I had to have my blood test on Thursday . The nurse asked for a urine sample which she dipped and said there was protein so she would send it off. So I was interested in your post.

@KimG . Sorry to hear about the background retinopathy. I'm glad for you that they have found it so it can be monitored. Good news about your weight loss :)
 
KimG said:
Hello!

I was diagnosed 5 weeks ago and have had my first retina scan. I received a letter saying that I have background retinopathy, so was rather alarmed. I wonder how long I have been diabetic and why the diabetes wasn't picked up with all the trips I've made to the surgery in the last few years complaining about tiredness and thirst. I can't turn the clock back, but it would have been good to know earlier, I would at least have had the chance to prevent it. I've had my little rant lol and now I'm moving on. My DN is happy with my levels and weight loss. I will have another HbA1c test in November. :)
Click to expand...
My first eye test showed some problems and I was very worried but they said we will test it again in 6 months. The second test showed the problems were gone, and I was told it is common for this to happen. So fingers crossed for you that your next eye test shows an improvement. Would it be worth asking for another test in 6 months? I only need to go every 2 years now.

Just something to consider about your doctor not testing for diabetes earlier. If you make a formal complaint through the NHS complaints procedure then the outcome may be that the doctor is reminded by their peers to test more often, and this would lead to better outcomes for other patients. I know you wouldn't want to make waves if you are still seeing the same doctor but have a think about it anyway. The tests are quite cheap for the NHS compared to untreated diabetes so there's no reason why a doctor shouldn't be ordering the test for anyone who has obvious risk factors or symptoms.
 
Thank you for that CatLadyNZ. It was my previous surgery that messed up. My current surgery have been brilliant, I don't waste their time and only go when I have to, same as before.

I will consider that, as it will help other people to be screened earlier. :)
 
mo53 said:
How did you get diagnosed following a urine sample? I had to have my blood test on Thursday . The nurse asked for a urine sample which she dipped and said there was protein so she would send it off. So I was interested in your post.
Click to expand...
What the insurance company medical found in my urine was only an indication of high sugar, I then had all the usual tests. The urine test was not used as the one and only test, just an indication for further tests. Had I not had that urine test, who knows how long it would have been before diagnosis?
Just out of interest, since then I was prescribed Hema-Combistix which tests Glucose, Protein, pH and something called Blood Synergy HB (something to do with inflammation).
 
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