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How long before affected by Retinopathy

S

smitha48

Well-Known Member
Messages
52
Location
Cumbria
Hi All,

Just got back off my Hols and had the results of my Retinopathy Test :( .
The results state that the photographs taken 'show some signs of diabetes affecting my eyes but this does not require any treatment'.

Briefly i was diagnosed in May this year, after an MI and some heart procedures. At the time my HbA1C was 7.0 and i was placed on diet and Exercise. My next HbA1C taken at the beginning of Sep was 6.3 and i'd lost 7kg :D .

I was just wondering that with relatively low BS levels, why has Retinopathy already started to affect me, and how fast the deterioration may proceed.

I was also thinking whether or not I've been T2 for a lot longer but just remained undiagnosed :?:

Any way would really appreciate any advice on the above, as i will be going back in Hospital for By pass in the not too distant future, and would like to settle my mind on the retinopathy thing before the heart procedure.

Kind regards

Tony
 
I really would not worry abou this. It is very common . Many if not most diabetics show some signs of he disease in heir eyes but this does not mean that it is likely o progress. Just think of it as a benchmark - somehing o measure future screenings by,
Many posters here have had the same result withoout any further deterioration.
Keeping your levels low but stable is all that you can do
It is quite common for T2s to have been diabetic for some time before diagnosis. I really don't think
that you have any cause for concern. Even a referral to he eye clinic does not necessarily mean you need to worry unduly- many people attending the clinics do not need treament it is merely to keep them under observation so that any problems can be dealt with more quickly.

Its a commomn problem wih any type of screening - it causes anxiety. Good luckwith your bypass.

I hope it gives you new lease of life.
 
I can echo Unbeliever's comments. I had reports of slight background retinopathy for several years, but this has gone with better control - due to low carb diet. Hope the heart op goes well.
 
agree with the above. Personally I used to equate retinopathy with "you're about to go blind very soon!" and was relieved to find that "retinopathy" actually includes a huge range of things, even quite minor changes that reverse themselves as your blood sugar stays stable and lowish.
 
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