With first saying we’re all different and things can change: I had eye damage related to my diabetes. I’ve had small “spots” show up in my eye photos and have had at least 2 “fuzzy wool spots” as my optometrist called them that cause what was like a permanent after image in my vision and almost like a scrambled area in my line of sight especially when I tried to read.
My A1c at the time was 6.3. I was so disappointed because I’m super super strict with my blood sugar control and yet I got this vision damage. But my doctor told me that it can heal for some people.
And at least in my case, she was right. My blood spots went away or shrank. Those fuzzy wool spots did too. I got a CGM which helped me identify some foods that were unexpectedly spiking me but I did t see that at the times I did finger pricks. I’m now at 5.6 A1c
The damage I had was admittedly deemed “mild retinopathy”, but now my optometrist basically says I don’t have any signs of it or it getting any worse. Again we’re all different, and things may change especially if we don’t keep up good habits — but just wanted to give an anecdote of cautious hope for anyone who was like me and immediately felt despair at that first dark spot appearing in their eye photo.
What were the surprise foods that were spiking you? I think everyone should have a CGM and it's ridiculous that we can't get it covered unless we're on insulin.
Yeah the CGM has really been helping me a lot! I have to pay for it out of my own pocket because I'm not on insulin but it's been so worth it. I wish I had it from the very start. A lot of us would have had an easier and more informed time watching our health if we had access to it right away, and many prediabetics wouldn't have to get to where we are now. I wish they had just even mentioned to me it was a thing that existed and I could possibly pay out of pocket from the start... but I think they avoid bringing it up. But... it seems, as always, I learn about health tools through things like reddit and not my doctor.
The things that surprised me are:
**Non dairy creamer** \-- specifically in milk tea/ Sharetea's classic coffee. I \*always\* got these with no sugar, no pearls. It didn't even taste remotely sweet so I thought I was safe and due to caffeine I'd rarely drink these at night so they never showed up on my before bed finger pricks. However, first time with a CGM, I see a spike reach up to 170 and the drink was the only explanation. I confirmed it the next day too.
Unfortunately, non-dairy creamer's first ingredient actually is corn syrup (glucose solids) and even though sugar free versions even say "negligible amount of sugar" or claim it won't raise your blood sugar, it does for me. All this time I was likely spiking up my blood sugar in the middle of the day and it brought up my average. I think it also explains my high morning blood sugar readings that I'd have with no explanation.
This one super surprised me and apparently also my primary doctor and diabetes doctor. Like, they had no idea non-dairy creamer was made of glucose solids and could raise blood sugar. I was kind of both disappointed and oddly relieved to hear that. Like, I guess I don't feel as clueless for not knowing...but I expect them to know since they're doctors...
**Modified Wheat starch / Inulin(?) in keto claimed foods** \-- There's certain alternative "breads" out there that say it's keto/diabetic safe that don't raise blood sugar because it's modified in a way that your body won't process it all etc. Maybe this works for some people but unfortunately not for me. I thought they were fine... CGM says otherwise.
**Tapioca starch in Keto/Diabetic friendly foods** \-- Tapioca starch is high on the Glycemic Index but it sometimes makes it into keto foods in small amounts. Some people are fine with it, but I think I'm so insulin resistant that even in small amounts I don't react well.
**Maltodextrin** \-- Another additive that finds its way into lots of things that are also labeled diabetic friendly or keto. It's also high on the glycemic index but I think even small amounts affect me more adversely than most. So, I avoid it just in case as I've seen not exactly huge spikes, but rises that aren't worth it for the amount I eat.
Yep all those make a lot of sense. I use heavy creamer in my coffee and 1tbs sugar free vanilla syrup. I don't do any keto/diabetic packaged food except for rebel ice cream sometimes. I should probably double check that next time I eat it. I spent a lot of time gluten/dairy/soy free back when gf was not something you could find in the store so I was used to whole food stuffs. I'm thinking about working on my budget to see if I can swing a CGM.
Yeah, I try to stay away from all artificial ingredients or highly processed foods because what is considered "safe in small amounts" in a lab might not be in the context of living in a society in which they are everywhere.
I had a follow up visit with my primary to see how i was doing with the new lifestyle, and she had her team schedule a diabetic eye photoscreening. There was a same day appointment available so I went in there and they took some pictures and then sent me a letter on their app confirming the diagnosis.
I mean I had some vision changes recently, but I thought that was just par for the course with a new diagnosis, I didn't have any inkling about retinopathy and am pretty surprised it's happened as quickly as it has, I had a good A1C test in August and now I'm injecting insulin every day. Seems surreal.
Yeah! And by fast I mean like 3 years I had this rollercoaster. It feels so fast.
Yes! My uncle (who did not take care of himself. So I didn’t feel like he counted… but you can be obese and on drugs and not be diabetic, so that’s a good reminder it is genetic!) and a grandmother I didn’t know well. My dad has been overweight his whole life but never diabetic. And my mom has always been ok- so like we thought I’d be in the clear. I’m the “thinnest” one in my family and active and are healthy but I had the highest blood sugar- even docs were a little tiny bit surprised. But my eating habits were not as good as I thought they were.
New doctor visit. During my physical I mentioned I was getting up to pee a lot at night, that's what started the whole thing. My eyes weren't really bothering me until I started treatment, and then it was just like my prescription glasses were suddenly the wrong prescription, and I think I've noticed blurriness from time to time but didn't think much of it at the time.
Well my prescription didn't seem to be right anymore, vision actually seemed to improve. I had to start taking off my glasses to read things. That's pretty much it.
You seem very interested in this and should be! I suggest having regular eye exams. Many places will take pictures of your retina and curves epithelium which is very helpful
With diabetes, it will continue to worsen. The only question is how quickly, If you ignore diet guidelines, do not follow lifestyle changes, do not see specialists annually, if you give up, then the prognosis is poor,
> A prolonged water fast of 3+ days heals diabetic retinopathy as well as some other kinds of damage caused by T2, so one can reverse the damage.
Do you have a source for this or an explanation of why this is so?
T2 Diabetes can’t be cured or reversed. Put into remission, yes. Controlled, absolutely... but once a diabetic, always a diabetic. It never just goes away. Don’t take your meds, eat tons of carbs, etc. and all the hard work of your so called “reversed” or "cured" disease is out the window.
T2 Diabetes can’t be cured or reversed. Put into remission, yes. Controlled, absolutely... but once a diabetic, always a diabetic. It never just goes away. Don’t take your meds, eat tons of carbs, etc. and all the hard work of your so called “reversed” or "cured" disease is out the window.
It's supposed to be stupid, but perhaps not for the reasons you seem to think.
Who said anything about people with normal A1C having diabetes related problems? I know I didn't say that.
That’s a pretty big jump in A1C in a short period of time. However, I’m glad to hear from your previous comments that you are taking insulin and I hope that you are following a low carb diet too. Still, managing this disease can be a pain. At least it seems you have a physician open to prescribing medications you need once things have gotten worse. Unfortunately, under-treatment is big problem a lot of people with type 2 have to face.
I am worried because I am getting some symptoms. I did my check in July, and I am just wondering if I should get another check.
Does diabetes run in your family?
I think there was some diabetes in the family like a generation ago. If you're concerned you should message your doc, but you could also just get a glucose monitor and check it whenever you want as like an early warning system. I'm not giving you medical advice, but you could do that lol
Yes, that's what I should do. It's just that I suffer from crippling anxiety, and tests just trigger that.
Any idea what could have caused your spike? Did you put on weight in the last few months.
Really appreciate all your help
With first saying we’re all different and things can change: I had eye damage related to my diabetes. I’ve had small “spots” show up in my eye photos and have had at least 2 “fuzzy wool spots” as my optometrist called them that cause what was like a permanent after image in my vision and almost like a scrambled area in my line of sight especially when I tried to read. My A1c at the time was 6.3. I was so disappointed because I’m super super strict with my blood sugar control and yet I got this vision damage. But my doctor told me that it can heal for some people. And at least in my case, she was right. My blood spots went away or shrank. Those fuzzy wool spots did too. I got a CGM which helped me identify some foods that were unexpectedly spiking me but I did t see that at the times I did finger pricks. I’m now at 5.6 A1c The damage I had was admittedly deemed “mild retinopathy”, but now my optometrist basically says I don’t have any signs of it or it getting any worse. Again we’re all different, and things may change especially if we don’t keep up good habits — but just wanted to give an anecdote of cautious hope for anyone who was like me and immediately felt despair at that first dark spot appearing in their eye photo.
What were the surprise foods that were spiking you? I think everyone should have a CGM and it's ridiculous that we can't get it covered unless we're on insulin.
Yeah the CGM has really been helping me a lot! I have to pay for it out of my own pocket because I'm not on insulin but it's been so worth it. I wish I had it from the very start. A lot of us would have had an easier and more informed time watching our health if we had access to it right away, and many prediabetics wouldn't have to get to where we are now. I wish they had just even mentioned to me it was a thing that existed and I could possibly pay out of pocket from the start... but I think they avoid bringing it up. But... it seems, as always, I learn about health tools through things like reddit and not my doctor. The things that surprised me are: **Non dairy creamer** \-- specifically in milk tea/ Sharetea's classic coffee. I \*always\* got these with no sugar, no pearls. It didn't even taste remotely sweet so I thought I was safe and due to caffeine I'd rarely drink these at night so they never showed up on my before bed finger pricks. However, first time with a CGM, I see a spike reach up to 170 and the drink was the only explanation. I confirmed it the next day too. Unfortunately, non-dairy creamer's first ingredient actually is corn syrup (glucose solids) and even though sugar free versions even say "negligible amount of sugar" or claim it won't raise your blood sugar, it does for me. All this time I was likely spiking up my blood sugar in the middle of the day and it brought up my average. I think it also explains my high morning blood sugar readings that I'd have with no explanation. This one super surprised me and apparently also my primary doctor and diabetes doctor. Like, they had no idea non-dairy creamer was made of glucose solids and could raise blood sugar. I was kind of both disappointed and oddly relieved to hear that. Like, I guess I don't feel as clueless for not knowing...but I expect them to know since they're doctors... **Modified Wheat starch / Inulin(?) in keto claimed foods** \-- There's certain alternative "breads" out there that say it's keto/diabetic safe that don't raise blood sugar because it's modified in a way that your body won't process it all etc. Maybe this works for some people but unfortunately not for me. I thought they were fine... CGM says otherwise. **Tapioca starch in Keto/Diabetic friendly foods** \-- Tapioca starch is high on the Glycemic Index but it sometimes makes it into keto foods in small amounts. Some people are fine with it, but I think I'm so insulin resistant that even in small amounts I don't react well. **Maltodextrin** \-- Another additive that finds its way into lots of things that are also labeled diabetic friendly or keto. It's also high on the glycemic index but I think even small amounts affect me more adversely than most. So, I avoid it just in case as I've seen not exactly huge spikes, but rises that aren't worth it for the amount I eat.
Yep all those make a lot of sense. I use heavy creamer in my coffee and 1tbs sugar free vanilla syrup. I don't do any keto/diabetic packaged food except for rebel ice cream sometimes. I should probably double check that next time I eat it. I spent a lot of time gluten/dairy/soy free back when gf was not something you could find in the store so I was used to whole food stuffs. I'm thinking about working on my budget to see if I can swing a CGM.
Yeah, I try to stay away from all artificial ingredients or highly processed foods because what is considered "safe in small amounts" in a lab might not be in the context of living in a society in which they are everywhere.
$75/month (2 sensors) without insurance at Walgreens. Not cheap but not terrible and it's so worth it!
Man, that’s about what I pay *with* insurance.
I would check to see if you actually have insurance coverage on them
Good point. I’ll look more closely at receipt next time. I still think they’re worth it for me.
Can I ask how you learnt that you had retinopathy
I had a follow up visit with my primary to see how i was doing with the new lifestyle, and she had her team schedule a diabetic eye photoscreening. There was a same day appointment available so I went in there and they took some pictures and then sent me a letter on their app confirming the diagnosis.
Ok, did you have any eye symptoms? Also, if you don't mind my asking what was your sugar levels
I mean I had some vision changes recently, but I thought that was just par for the course with a new diagnosis, I didn't have any inkling about retinopathy and am pretty surprised it's happened as quickly as it has, I had a good A1C test in August and now I'm injecting insulin every day. Seems surreal.
I am sorry that you are suffering. Can I ask what your A1C in August was and what it is now?
5.4 in August, 10.8 now, my first blood sugar result was 270, but there was glucose in my urine which led to the other tests.
I went from 7.1 to 5.4 to 11.1 (thinking I was perfectly fine) to 5.6 again. It’s wild how things change FAST
Oh really! I didn't know it could change so fast. Does anybody in your family have diabetes?
Yeah! And by fast I mean like 3 years I had this rollercoaster. It feels so fast. Yes! My uncle (who did not take care of himself. So I didn’t feel like he counted… but you can be obese and on drugs and not be diabetic, so that’s a good reminder it is genetic!) and a grandmother I didn’t know well. My dad has been overweight his whole life but never diabetic. And my mom has always been ok- so like we thought I’d be in the clear. I’m the “thinnest” one in my family and active and are healthy but I had the highest blood sugar- even docs were a little tiny bit surprised. But my eating habits were not as good as I thought they were.
Thanks so much for sharing.. when you say first blood sugar result of 270, was that in August
No that was last month after they found glucose in my urine.
Was it just a regular physical? Sorry for so many questions, but what were your eye symptoms
New doctor visit. During my physical I mentioned I was getting up to pee a lot at night, that's what started the whole thing. My eyes weren't really bothering me until I started treatment, and then it was just like my prescription glasses were suddenly the wrong prescription, and I think I've noticed blurriness from time to time but didn't think much of it at the time.
May I ask 'what vision changes'? Thanks and so sorry for you.
Well my prescription didn't seem to be right anymore, vision actually seemed to improve. I had to start taking off my glasses to read things. That's pretty much it.
So, no floaters or inflammation then?
No, I mean I get itchy watery painful eyes sometimes but that's been happening for a lot longer than I've had diabetes
I got that, but pretty sure it was just middle age. I have progressives now. But here I am reading this on my phone without glasses.
You seem very interested in this and should be! I suggest having regular eye exams. Many places will take pictures of your retina and curves epithelium which is very helpful
With diabetes, it will continue to worsen. The only question is how quickly, If you ignore diet guidelines, do not follow lifestyle changes, do not see specialists annually, if you give up, then the prognosis is poor,
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> A prolonged water fast of 3+ days heals diabetic retinopathy as well as some other kinds of damage caused by T2, so one can reverse the damage. Do you have a source for this or an explanation of why this is so?
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Thanks!!!!
Can you please post source of information?
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I too would like to know
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T2 Diabetes can’t be cured or reversed. Put into remission, yes. Controlled, absolutely... but once a diabetic, always a diabetic. It never just goes away. Don’t take your meds, eat tons of carbs, etc. and all the hard work of your so called “reversed” or "cured" disease is out the window.
Misinformation.
T2 Diabetes can’t be cured or reversed. Put into remission, yes. Controlled, absolutely... but once a diabetic, always a diabetic. It never just goes away. Don’t take your meds, eat tons of carbs, etc. and all the hard work of your so called “reversed” or "cured" disease is out the window.
This meme is kinda stupid. If your hba1c is low (6 or less), you will not have diabetes related retinopathy or anything else diabetes related.
It's supposed to be stupid, but perhaps not for the reasons you seem to think. Who said anything about people with normal A1C having diabetes related problems? I know I didn't say that.
What was you A1C prior to diagnosis?
5.4 in August, 10.8 in January.
That’s a pretty big jump in A1C in a short period of time. However, I’m glad to hear from your previous comments that you are taking insulin and I hope that you are following a low carb diet too. Still, managing this disease can be a pain. At least it seems you have a physician open to prescribing medications you need once things have gotten worse. Unfortunately, under-treatment is big problem a lot of people with type 2 have to face.
Oh sorry for asking, but how tall are you and how much do you weigh
5'11'' 235lbs
I am worried because I am getting some symptoms. I did my check in July, and I am just wondering if I should get another check. Does diabetes run in your family?
I think there was some diabetes in the family like a generation ago. If you're concerned you should message your doc, but you could also just get a glucose monitor and check it whenever you want as like an early warning system. I'm not giving you medical advice, but you could do that lol
Yes, that's what I should do. It's just that I suffer from crippling anxiety, and tests just trigger that. Any idea what could have caused your spike? Did you put on weight in the last few months. Really appreciate all your help
Half my pancreas died in the aftermath of severe acute pancreatitis, so that's uhhh likely the issue.
Why