eyes

[-lisa-]

hey
i am a type 1 diabetic and have been for 14.5 years.
i had an appointment today to get photographs taken of the back of my eye and was interested in the connection between diabetes and retinapathy?

 

[hanadr]

Diabetes causes changes to blood vessels and your retina has loads of tiny ones which weaken and can either seep liquid, or burst and bleed. google it and you can find pictures of what a normal retina and retinopathy in is different stages, looks like. GOOD control of BG can minimise retinopathy and all other possible complications.

 

[kegstore]

Hi Lisa

Good control is very important to reduce the likelihood of all complications, including retinopathy. But good blood pressure numbers are also vital, and reduce the risk of stroke and kidney problems too. My sugar control has always been quite good, but discovered quite high blood pressure at around the same time I started noticing eye problems. Admittedly I'm now on a cocktail of meds to keep my bp normal (120/75), but the fact of doing so means I now have two stable retinas, a good blood supply and excellent eyesight. And my kidney deterioration has been halted, which is just fantastic. I have a blood pressure monitor at home now, just to keep an eye on things every now and then.