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!

I am so sorry you are going through this,but if this makes one
person stop and think,then your a hero. Do you have a diabecic
support group,or a diabectic org. in your hospital theyhave got more
time and imformation then the Drs. Thanks for posting Sue

Hi everyone, well-it seems I misunderstood the doctor(would have helped if he was not from another country I think!). I asked for a copy of his notes. He did see retinopathy but not serious I guess at this time.

It was a big enough scare to get me straightened out though! I've been low-carb since June 1st. Have lost 7# so far. Now I just need to get more exercise!

I'm guessing that anyone with the retinopathy is probably already blind & won't be replying on this thread.

I'm getting my new glasses this week,trifocals for the first time. Hopefully I'll be able to see my keyboard better to type!

Take care,Buttons

If it took that scare,then i glad it helped you to think things through.
Diabetes is very serious,please go over to the Peripheral Neuropathy
posts and take a look at them. Good luck with your new glasses,and
please keep posting. Sue

Hi Sue,just got my new glasses,this will take some getting used to!
I will check out the PN forum,thanks for the invite. I'm busy on other forums these days but will check in here more often.

I've managed to lose another pound! Yippee!

Lately I've had total numbness in my left arm,this was kinda freaky also! Never tested positive for PN before but I understand it can just happen overnight.

Food doesn't excite me much anymore,been 14 days now of low-carb. I figure it will take me months to repair the damage I've done.....

Thanks for your replies,Buttons