Type 1 Cholesterol meds for retinopathy?

[Charles Robin]

I had my Type 1 diabetic clinic the other day, and my specialist mentioned something interesting. She said that some medication for cholesterol has been shown to have beneficial results relating to retinopathy.

This is of interest to me, because my last retinal scan showed signs of maculopathy (I've had background retinopathy since 2013). Has anyone had any experience of this?

I have no problem taking medication, but I don't want to waste NHS resources if there's no real benefit. However, I am looking into this as a possible method of combatting damage to my eyes. Thus far my vision's fine, and I'm hoping to keep it that way.

This would be in addition to other strategies I already have in place (My last HBA1C was 36, I eat low carb, I'm 74.6kg and 5'11" and I exercise regularly). My cholesterol is also good, so taking this medication would be purely in the hopes of keeping my vision good.

Any input on this is appreciated, many thanks .

 

[Dark Horse]

I had my Type 1 diabetic clinic the other day, and my specialist mentioned something interesting. She said that some medication for cholesterol has been shown to have beneficial results relating to retinopathy.

This is of interest to me, because my last retinal scan showed signs of maculopathy (I've had background retinopathy since 2013). Has anyone had any experience of this?

I have no problem taking medication, but I don't want to waste NHS resources if there's no real benefit. However, I am looking into this as a possible method of combatting damage to my eyes. Thus far my vision's fine, and I'm hoping to keep it that way.

This would be in addition to other strategies I already have in place (My last HBA1C was 36, I eat low carb, I'm 74.6kg and 5'11" and I exercise regularly). My cholesterol is also good, so taking this medication would be purely in the hopes of keeping my vision good.

Any input on this is appreciated, many thanks .

Generally, statins lower cholesterol and fibrates lower triglycerides. People with lower cholesterol and triglycerides have a lower risk of diabetic complications such as retinopathy.

This topic is discussed at length at http://www.diabeticretinopathy.org.uk/prevention/lipids.html and includes the following:-

Fibrates are recommeded for nearly everyone with retinopathy, with benefit shown in the FIELD study. (If GFR >15 & no pancreatititis.) ... It may be that fenofibrate should be used in every person with exudative maculopathy. Some local experts suggest that fenofibrate 200 mg/day should be recommended to all adult patients unless there are contra-indications:​

 

[noblehead]

Hi @Charles Robin

When I developed diabetic retinopathy I was told to keep my cholesterol levels in check as well as my bp, at the time my cholesterol levels were low (and have been to this day) and my bp was just below the recommended level of 140/80, however my Ophthalmologist & GP agreed that I should start on a low-dose bp med to reduce my bp further and get my levels to around 130/70 as this is said to beneficial in the long-term to those who have diabetic related complications like retinopthy.

From the same site that @Dark Horse has linked to:

• ''In practice for instance, if you have diabetic maculopathy, a serious form of retinopathy, you need a very low blood pressure to stop (or slow down) your sight getting worse.''

http://www.diabeticretinopathy.org.uk/prevention/Diabetes and Blood Pressure.htm

Sorry slightly off topic with the above but just thought I'd mention how important it is to keep your bp under control when diagnosed with retinopathy. Best wishes.

 

[Charles Robin]

Thanks Dark horse and noblehead, that's super helpful! My BP was 117/70 so I'm fine in that department, but thanks for the mention.

 

[Unjustified]

I had my 6-monthly clinic on the 10th and was told about Fenofibrates. I've had background retinopathy since 2012, and with poor control this has worsened, leading to 4 lots of pan retinal photocoagulation laser surgery to both eyes, and last month an Eylea (Aflibercept) injection to one eye.

Now I have better control, testing blood sugars regularly, my consultant has written to my GP asking for me to discuss the options of going onto Fenofibrates. I was warned this does come with some possible problems including liver and kidney damage, blood pressure should be checked regularly and kept below 130/80 (mine is 117/73) and semi-regular blood tests to watch my liver and kidneys will be needed.

Overall, after reading about the ACCORD and FIELD trials, I feel the risks are minimal and anything that can help is a good thing.

 

[JohnEGreen]

Well statins didn't prevent my retinopathy or neuropathy and have been on BP medication for years. Not that that actually proves anything.