Supplements and Background Retinopathy

[Ann19]

I was diagnosed type 2 last year. No family history of Diabetes, but my father died from Pancreatic Cancer. I knew that I was overweight,but not massively so, I've lost 2.5 stone now. Doctors said not sure why I developed it, but there was mumblings of shock sometimes causing it. I lost my daughter in 2005 in a car accident. While I waited for the results of the blood test I found this site and intended to give it a good kicking! I thought that I was doing that until yesterday. I received a letter saying that I have Background Retinopathy. I was clear last year. I know this may not develop into full Retinopathy, but it's hit me harder than the actual diagnosis of T2. I keep telling myself that if I hadn't stamped on it then I may have had some bleeding by now, so at least it's in not developed further. Reading around the site especially the complications sub forum I see that various supplements are mentioned, Vitamin D3, Lutein and Bilberry extract, has anyone taken these and had an improvement?

Ann

 

[Dillinger]

Re: Suppliments and Background Retinopathy

Hi Ann,

Firstly, I'm so sorry about your daughter; and I know words are insufficient in the face of that type of loss.

I think the issue with retinopathy is that the eyes are very sensitive to blood glucose due to the very fine capillary beds that support them so they will show up damage early. It is possible to hold off further damage and people here have talked about reversing peripheral retinopathy (Ian D for instance).

I have peripheral retinopathy and have done for some time; it seems stable but it is of course a worry.

I'm of the view that if you can afford to buy supplements and they do not do you any harm and there is some evidence for taking them then why not? Quite a few people feel that they are frivolous but if it might help I'll take it!

For eye health Lutein and Bilberry are often recommended as is alpha lipoic acid - why not google them and see if they sound useful to you? Keep in mind that much of the information is provided by people trying to sell you supplements so must be read in that context, but I understand that in Germany for instance alpha lipoic acid is prescribed to diabetics. Which makes me feel more favourable to the idea of taking it.

Here's a sensible review of supplements for diabetics from Blood Sugar 101 - a good site to visit.

http://www.phlaunt.com/diabetes/20144672.php

Best

Dillinger

 

[noblehead]

Re: Suppliments and Background Retinopathy

Ann,

Like Dillinger I'm sorry for your loss. I can't see any harm in taking supplements if they help to maintain eye health, I was taking a Bilberry extract up until 2 years ago but decided to eat fresh Blueberries instead which I still do to this day, I can't say for definate if they help but I've had the all-clear for a few years now when I attend my Ophthalmology appointments.

The best advice I got from my Opthamologist was to keep good control of bg and keep blood pressure and cholesterol below the recommended limits, he also mentioned a diet rich in dark coloured fruits and veggies was beneficial to eye health.

 

[Ann19]

Dillinger and Noblehead, thank you for your thoughts.

I keep tight control on my levels and I think that is part of the reason this has got to me so much. I eat Raspberries every morning as part of my breakfast, so I'll have to start substituting Blueberries for some of them, after all I have 2 bushes in the garden! I've never been keen on them unless I make a cheescake with them, my palate will have to see a little education! I don't eat a great amount of fruit as it does put my levels up and upsets my IBS so I'll have to try different times to usual and see what effect they have then. Veggies I love so will introduce more dark coloured ones and research the links and supplements mentioned.

Thanks again

Ann