If this helps just one person I'll be glad.

I was diagnosed with type 2 about 9 years ago. At first I was in denial,then I got scared,then I got educated.

Throughout these years I've had many other health issues that I considered far more urgent than the diabetes. My blood sugar was always in control. I tried Metforim for a very short time hoping I would lose weight & have more energy. I didn't like the side effects so went off the drug.

During this time I was constantly complaining to ALL the doctors I saw,about my concern over my eyes. I was never taken seriously I suppose,or else just had the misfortune of seeing incompetent doctors.

I just had my 2nd eye exam in 8 mos. Guess what? I've been told I'm going blind from diabetic retinopathy! It's in my right eye but I'm guessing it could/will go to both eyes. I asked if there were any symptoms or warning signs,was told there are not. I was in too much shock when told this to ask questions,felt like it was all surreal I suppose.

Now I'm doing research & finding some conflicting info (which is normal). What I'm not finding are people who have this or know someone that does. I'd never heard of it!

I admit I was bad all winter with eating carbs,I knew better but figured I would be OK,mostly cause I have so many other health issues that "bother" me much more than the diabetes. I didn't even bother to test regularly.

It was too easy for me to eat when depressed,figuring what the heck I'm a walking health mystery anyways & sick of going to doctor's. I'll eat macaroni & cheese & at least get some enjoyment out of my life!

Now I'm gonna have to pay a big price for this! So I'm writing this as a big warning to all of you. You might think you can cheat on the diet but you cannot. I'm only 58,far too young to go blind.

This was a wakeup call for me but it's already too late. Please be smarter than I've been. Test regularly & stay away from the carbs!

I simply was not following all the advice I've given out over the years to others.

Here's a list of the eye symptoms I was concerned with:

Flashing lights
Black spots
Double vision
Super sensitive to sunshine
Red eyes
Seeing "phantom images"
Myoclonic jerking under eyes

I was told phantom images is what happens to people that take LSD!
I was told the black spots meant nothing.
I was told I was too young for my eyes to be an issue.
I was told to use Visine for the redness.
I was ignored totally by 3 eye doctors about the flashing lights.

Now, personally I don't trust doctor's,and I knew something was wrong but wasn't getting any answers. Now I have a diagnosis I feel I could have avoided if I'd been more deligent in my diet. Don't let this happen to you or someone you care about.

Diabetic retinopathy is caused by uncontrolled blood sugar,high blood pressure & high cholesterol. None of my tests have ever come back with any high numbers or warnings.

Needless to say I'm on a strict low-carb diet now & testing regularly. Diabetes runs in both sides of my family. As do gluocoma & cataracts,nobody has ever had retinopathy however. Never even heard of it.

Hope this will help someone else, appreciate any replies.
Buttons-a very enlightened woman now!