Diabetic retinopathy problem please help

Have a read around the following, it has a wealth of information and advice on diabetic retinopathy:

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

m786xxx said:

Hi I have had diabetes for nearly 5 years now however my sugar levels have always been bad way to high and recently I had my eye screening which showed diabetic retinopathy in the background. I'm really scared now I do want to control my sugar levels but it seems so hard and the weight gain stresses me.

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As you are only 23 then you need to pull your socks up and learn to control your blood sugars or damage your eyes beyond repair The only reason you would gain weight is by eating the wrong type of foods, so have a look at your diet and see what you can do with it. To get your blood sugars down start with your basal (background insulin) get that right then work on your carb ratio. Like everyone else you will have your ups and downs with control that is unfortunately part of being diabetic.

with the help of your dr..for a stable BG and weight loss, some are using a LCHF diet
a long page and a few good video’s
http://www.dietdoctor.com/lchf
http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/lowcarb101/a/firstweek.htm

ask for a course ..
There is an online course for background and an idea to it. Free to register
http://www.bdec-e-learning.com/

This set of workbooks is worth reading and practising working examples of carbs, doses and correction.
An Introduction to Carbohydrate Counting ,
The Next Steps

m786xxx said:

Hi I have had diabetes for nearly 5 years now however my sugar levels have always been bad way to high and recently I had my eye screening which showed diabetic retinopathy in the background. I'm really scared now I do want to control my sugar levels but it seems so hard and the weight gain stresses me.

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After reading a couple of your other posts I'm wondering if this site may help you http://www.dwed.org.uk/

m786xxx said:

Yes I am 23 and it's scary because I'm finding it so hard to control my sugar levels, they were 119 hb1ca last year feb than in nov they were 75 and last month again 90... My cholesterol and kidneys showed some problems too but the doctors said it's probably due to bad control because sometimes the tests showed clear result but this eye thing is worrying me however my eyesight is fine... I have started excercise aswell and being bit more carefull

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As Carbsrok said earlier start with some basal testing, meaning you need to get your background insulin at the correct dose so that you can then look at your insulin-to-carb ratio's, correction factors and diet.

If your unsure how to do a basal check have a look at the following, its for pump users but the explanation on fasting and doing the test in different time frames is still relevant to people on MDI:

http://www.salforddiabetescare.co.uk/index2.php?nav_id=1007

Just one more thing, don't tighten up your bg control too quick as this is said to make retinopathy worse, if in doubt speak with your DSN, Consultant or the Ophthalmologist if you have been referred to the eye clinic.

m786xxx said:

I'm not going to lie and yes I do eat very bad, I have started eating grilled chicken with salad etc for meals now so let's see , however I do get worried about hypos and as soon as my sugar goes past 7 I start feeling the need to eat

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With running bg levels high all the time you may experience what they call False Hypo's when your bg returns to normal, this will soon pass as your body gets use to the lower levels - but it still worth checking your bg just to be sure your not actually having a hypo.

Start the week off by doing some basal checks, good luck.

hi M786xxx, diabetes as I am sure we all have felt at some point is scary and a rubbish illness. However it doesn't have to destroy you or your body.
Its good that your starting to look at it and the more control you get, the less likely your eyes will suffer. I was diagnosed in my late teens and it can be hard to accept. My moto was it could be worse at least I am still alive, but that is me. I wonder if the following might help, changing your diets awesome and going below 7 I guess you will feel shaking and hungry just because the body isn't use to it. If you can closely monitor your blood sugar for about a day and a half you wont feel that so much as your body will get use to be lower. Have you done the dafny course? and I guessing your under a specialist? with the readings you have had you would be entiled to a pump if you inject more than 4 a day. I would suggest checking the pumps out, not for everyone but they are awesome. I feel all diabetic have to have their own mindset of finding away of accepting the condition into their life. It can be hard, but our mind controls our blood sugar levels to i.e. stress or even crying can change the levels. I am wondering not for any reason but for you to have a space and explore what it means to you if some therapy rom a counselor like at your GPs might help you to? I know it can be scary but its for you and can really help. If you combind the mental and physical support your have your diabetes under control in no time.
I wonder if some steps might be then talking to your diabetic team about control and needs and possibly seeing a counsellor?

@m786xxx, glargine is your background insulin (lantus) and has nothing to do with your meals, its your Novorapid that deals with the food in your diet.

Great that your feeling motivated, you'll get there it just takes time and patience.

m786xxx, your welcome the course really helps!
if your keen on a pump I would suggest researching the one you like. A lot of hospitals have selected ones but sometimes you can argue the case. here are a few names for you Medtronic was the first pump i was on, I am now on a wireless one called my life omipod, aneimis is a popular one with freestyles pumps. All different functions, if you go on a pump you have to go on a dafney course as part of it but it is good as there is loads of food with lots of carbs in it ya wouldn't guess like for me it was watermelons that shocked me!
Your diabetic team will show you how to loose weight and it can be a challenge but similar to loosing weight anyway. Remember we are all in the same boat, i am 15 years down the line and motivation is key. If your at college or university the counselling service you will be able to access with longer support and less waiting time so i would suggest there. If i can help any further do not hesitate to contact