Diabetic eye test

[lavie v]

Hello all. So i've been a type 2 diabetic since 2018 . Just got my results back from the diabetic eye screening test. It says ( your test result showed that you have some background retinopathy. This means there are small changes to the blood vessels in the retina at the back of your eye as a result of diabetes)......i am having panic attacks and feel like the next thing they will tell me tht i am going blind in 1 eye. Anyone else had this result ? Can it be reversed ? Pls help and advise. Thanks

 

[Art Of Flowers]

The first thing you can do is reduce the about of carbs you eat to lower your blood sugar. See https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/category/low-carb-diet-forum.18/

The second thing you might like to try is to take benfotiamine (fat soluble vitamin B1) which protects the nerves including the retina of the eyes. See https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/benfotiamine-fat-soluble-vitamin-b1.204860/

 

[Rachox]

I have been type 2 since 2017, so have had quite a few of these tests. I have had a couple of background retinopathy results but they have returned to all clear the following year. Just keep your blood sugar levels under control and your eyes should remain healthy

 

[lovinglife]

I agree with @Rachox, I’ve had similar results - mine came back clear this time.

I did have a chat with the guy doing my pics last time and he said it picks even the tiniest less than a pinprick dot, he said it could only be there for a few days so if I’d gone a week later it may not have been there.

They are looking for changes test on test so try not to worry, just do your best to keep your BG under control & don’t stress about it, small changes are just that - small changes

 

[Art Of Flowers]

If you haven't got a blood glucose monitor, then you should get one and start testing. You will find which foods raise your blood sugars. Typically, you want readings in the range 4-7 first thing in the morning at if you test before and two hours after eating then the rise in blood sugars should be less than 2 higher for the after meal test.

I too was told I had some background retinopathy, but the following year they said I was OK.

 

[lessci]

My 1st test the technician told me that I'd be getting one of those letters, but not to panic as it was tiny, and nothing to worry about but the letter always sound dramatic

 

[Ushthetaff]

Hi I’ve been having the same letter for over 30 years and since I’ve had my cataracts done my vision is 20/20 ,the last time I actually saw a consultant , he asked me how one I had been T1 I told him nearly 44 years he said “phht “ what I’m seeing is what an optician would see as prediabetic nothing to worry about

 

[jaywak]

Like all the others are saying I too in over 40 years of eye tests have only had 1 which came back as evidence of background retinopathy and that was a few years ago so I wouldn't worry about it .