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Post by Clipper on Jan 5, 2023 11:16:19 GMT -5
I have to go to the VA in Johnson City for an annual special eye test to determine if diabetes is affecting or compromising my vision. Do anyone else's doctors schedule that sort of test annually? It is only in the last 3 yrs that they started requiring it for me. My vision is not impaired in any way but it always makes me nervous waiting to see if there is any changes or reason for concern. There are many afflictions that I could adapt and live with but to be blind is probably the most fearsome. I just can't imagine living life in darkness.
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Post by clarencebunsen on Jan 8, 2023 9:47:49 GMT -5
Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the tissue at the back of the eye (retina). Poorly controlled blood sugar is a risk factor.
Early symptoms include floaters, blurriness, dark areas of vision, and difficulty perceiving colors. Blindness can occur.
Mild cases may be treated with careful diabetes management. Advanced cases may require laser treatment or surgery.
This is not the most common side effect of diabetes but it is one of the most devastating. Diabetes damages blood vessels. Impaired blood flow to the feet can cause loss of toes, feet and legs, bit by bit. I saw that happen to a close friend.
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Post by Clipper on Jan 8, 2023 10:16:07 GMT -5
My dad was an insulin dependent diabetic, as was his father. He was given a prescription for an oral medication several years before my mom passed away. We never realized that he had been diagnosed, and only realized it when I found the prescription bottle while we were cleaning out their house in preparation for it's sale and for dad to come live with us.
He seemed fine and would not take that medication so life went on until one Sunday when we took him out to dinner with my sister and brother in-law. He ate from a buffet and then topped it off with a hot fudge sundae for dessert. When we arrived at home he was disoriented and could not get out of the car. I asked him if he knew where he was. He did know that, but when I asked him if he knew who was president he said JFK and was becoming more disoriented with each passing minute. We immediately took him to the ER. Thank goodness it is only 3 miles away. His blood sugar was off the charts. they kept him for 3 days to regulate his insulin and from that day on he required insulin injections twice a day. Over the years after that he developed neuropathy in his feet and the circulation was impaired to the point where his feet were pale and cold and he wore support stockings.
Having cared for dad has left me very aware. I test two or three times a week as suggested by my doctor and have kept my A1C at an acceptable level. It was over 7 when I was diagnosed but manage to keep it around 5 or 5.5 by watching what I eat. I suspect that as I age the disease will progress.
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Post by clarencebunsen on Jan 8, 2023 11:42:43 GMT -5
5 - 5.5 w/o medication are great numbers for anyone our age.
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