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Developing Cataracts and Retinopothy

johnpol

johnpol

Well-Known Member
Messages
919
Location
Consett
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
Hi, I have been diagnosed for 22yrs (originally as a type 1 then a type 2, then type 1.5!!!!! possibly....... all very confusing but never the less still diabetic)
Treatment is on the Medtronic pump and other medication to increase my sensitivity, which is virtually non existent at the moment. I have just found out after my Annual review that I have early signs of cataracts in both eyes and retinopathy as well. The person taking the eye exam said that they will send a letter out to me if anything needs to be done. My question is, is this correct or should I be worried about it?
My control has slipped over the last few months due to the passing of my mother which has affected me more than I care to admit, my HB1AC has went from 65% to 79%, bad I know. will this loss of control speed up the deterioration of my conditions? I have begun to clean up my diet and begun to test my self more frequently, as well as beginning to exercise again (used to be a Strength Athlete until I had to retire) , will these factors get me back to where I was before ???
Sorry for the multiple questions but I seem to be all over the place mentally at the moment
 
You should get a results letter for your eye screening within 6 weeks whether or not you need referral for further tests. If you don't hear anything,contact your GP or the screening service.
 
Condolences @johnpol , losing a parent is a traumatic time and the stress of it all does have an impact on diabetes control.

I'd make improvements slowly over a longer period of time (as this seems to be the general advice when someone has had poor control for sometime and intends to tighten things up), the following has some useful information and advice on diabetic retinopathy which you should find useful:

http://www.diabeticretinopathy.org.uk/retinopathyprogression.htm

As for cataracts, don't worry if they do worsen to a point where surgery is needed, I've had the surgery in one eye and it takes a matter of minutes, no more than 10 and the recovery time is around 4 weeks. Good luck.
 
Thank you @noblehead I will read up on the links, I do plan on taking things slow as far as tightening my control as when I get back on the horse so to speak, things go haywire for a littlewhile.
 
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