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Can retinopathy get worse when first on a pump

Gaz-M

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,108
Location
Sunderland
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
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baked beans
I ask I because over the past 10 days or so my vision has really gone downhill, I can barely read my phone screen and packaging and have had to make the screen alot larger on my pc so I can read it.

I am tyrying not tp panick but its starting to become a real worry
 
Are your blood sugars very different on the pump? Could that be the reason for the vision issues?

If you're concerned, phone and speak to someone tomorrow, if only to put your mind at rest before Christmas.
 
@azure bloods are lower yeah but have been struggling getting them stable which I know will not happen over night, I will call the Diabetic unit tomorrow but my DSN is off until the 29th so will have to talk to one that does not know me/my case as much.

Thankyou for the reply
 
@Gaz-M Maybe it's the variation? When I was first diagnosed, my sugars were up and down and I did notice I found it hard to watch TV, etc as my focus seemed out.

I don't have retinopathy so can't advise about that, but with anything like that, I'd always speak to someone. Diabetes is a nuisance enough without having extra worries. It's unfortunate your DSN is off, but hopefully therel'll be someone else who can help you.

Best wishes and I hope it's just a temporary blip as your levels settle down.
 
thankyou again @azure, there are another 2 DSn nurses at the hospital so hopefully they will know what to do next
 
Concur with Azure, if your retinopathy is active and you've noticed a change in your vision then you need to ring the Ophthalmology Clinic and ask for advice @Gaz-M, it may well be down to the change over to a pump and you not getting your bg levels stable but it's always better to be safe and get checked out.

Hope all is well.
 
Will do @noblehead just will be difficult getting to the eye infirmary with work at this time of year with regards to work, but I will call the DSN,s and see what they say first

Thankyou for replying
 
Gaz-M said:
Will do @noblehead just will be difficult getting to the eye infirmary with work at this time of year with regards to work, but I will call the DSN,s and see what they say first

Thankyou for replying
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@Gaz-M sod work your sight is more important. No sight no work so ring the ophthalmology dept asp.
 
I went on a pump in May and just received a letter saying that there are changes in my eyes but it doesn't require any treatment for now. I feel that my sight went worse a bit as well. My control is much better now so I was thinking maybe that's the reason. I heard that quick changes in bs control can affect eyes. I do hope it will get back to normal with better control but will definitely speak about this with my consultant in January when I have my check up
 
Changes in blood glucose levels can temporarily change the refractive index of the lens. Thiscould make small text difficult to read. On the other hand, retinopathy, particularly maculopathy, can also have a similar effect, although it would be unusual for it to develop over a matter of days. Your optician should be able to differentiate between the two.
 
Thankyou for the advice everyone, I spoke to one of the DSN this morning and she confirmed that when your blood sugars start to settle it can cause a temperary change to your sight if you have retinopathy, ( I did previously have Maculopathy ) she also suggested it could be my age as the eyes sometimes get affected when you are in your mid 40's and asked when I last had my eyes screened (which was July/August time).

She asked the consultant his advise and he kind of said the same but said if I have more concerns to go to A+E at the eye infirmary and explain the problem to them, I did have my eyes tested in September and was told my prescription had changed but never bought any glasses due to fundage , so will keep trying and see if the problem gets any worse over the next few days and will have another eye examination after the new year and will probably have to raid the piggy bank.
 
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