[gregb]

Mostly a lurker which probably explains why I can't post a profile. So here goes: I'll be 66 next month. I was dx'd with type 2 in 1996. I maintained normal bg's using diet and exercise until 2012 when it went out of control. ( I couldn't get it below 200 no matter what I did. My A1C was over 12.) Doctor put me on 500MG Metformin 2 each twice a day and 1/2 mg Glimepiride in the morning if fasting bg was over 99. Within a couple months my readings were mostly normal and my A1C on May 1st 2013 was 6.4. I exercise 3x a day: biking for 30min in the morning, then walking for 20-30min after lunch and supper.

Routine eye exam in June. Dr. observed retinopathy and cataracts and referred me to an eye surgeon group. Retina specialist dx'd cataracts, maybe glaucoma, diabetic macular edema and moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. He wants to start Avastin or kenalog injections. I don't have much confidence in him as he told me good blood sugar control was of no help in retarding the progression of the eye problems. I'm also not confident in the use of steroid injections. The National Eye Institute does not recommend this off-label use and my research showed the main use of these was in retarding the growth of new, abnormal blood vessels (which is the proliferative stage.) I am leaning toward focal laser surgery in treatment when condition of my eyes requires it.

Currently I am seeing pretty well, correctable to 20-30 in both eyes. Very light sensitive especially on the days I take glimepiride. I'm not grayscale colorblind but can now only see the images in perhaps two of the twelve plus plates in a colorblindness test. I've stopped driving as I occasionally cannot pick out green or red vehicles from a background of trees.

I'm male and weigh 147lbs.

 

[JT Reagan]

Go get a second opinion. I have had several bleeds due to blood pressure/diabetes combination. I have seen two specialists. Both said good blood sugar control will help my eyes. I also have cataracts but not glaucoma. For a while I had higher than average pressure but both specialist said it was my blood pressure affecting the eye pressure. As I said, a second opinion.

 

[hitcheca]

Welcome, Greg! We're glad you found us and came out of the lurker weeds, to ask questions of the group here. Someone has experience to share. Tell us how you've been managing diet, and anything else.

Have you looked over Blood Sugar 101 yet?

:welcome:

 

[gregb]

Have you looked over Blood Sugar 101 yet?

:

I haven't but I will. Quick scan shows lots of good stuff there. Thanks

 

[hitcheca]

The author, Jennie Ruhl, is also a Type 2 and has done a lot of research to make a simple, and comprehensive guide. Happy reading!

 

[gregb]

Go get a second opinion.

I intend just that. Thanks!

 

[Gizmo]

I'm also in Illinois. Howdy, neighbor.

Sorry you have had a rough go of it, but glad you decided to get a second opinion.

When you say you maintained normal bg's until 2012, I assume that means your doctor was fine with your A1c test results and bg readings. Unfortunately, doctors are usually satisfied with bg readings and A1c's that are too high to avoid diabetic complications. Keeping our bg below 140 mg/dl (7.8 mmol/L) - where diabetic complications can start - at all times is the only way to avoid them, or to stop their progression, and depending on how severe the damage, sometimes some of the damage can be healed.

Many of us control our diabetes by eating low carb/high fat. Here is a link if you want to check it out. LCHF for Beginners

Welcome aboard.

 

[gregb]

When you say you maintained normal bg's until 2012, I assume that means your doctor was fine with your A1c test results and bg readings. Unfortunately, doctors are usually satisfied with bg readings and A1c's that are too high to avoid diabetic complications. Keeping our bg below 140 mg/dl (7.8 mmol/L) - where diabetic complications can start - at all times is the only way to avoid them, or to stop their progression, and depending on how severe the damage, sometimes some of the damage can be healed.
.

Hi Thanks for your response. My bg readings were well under 140 fasting and before meals, but I get the sense you are saying below 140 even within an hour after meals? Not sure what you mean by "bg below 140 all the time" as I generally do not do readings except before meals twice a day.

My A1C's were below the normal range and are now although it's only a tick at 6.4 where 6.5 - 7.5 is reported as normal. When I was first researching diabetes metrics I read that the normal range varied between test machinery and populations, that is, one person's 6.5 as reported by machine wasn't necessarily the same as another's by a different machine. Is this no longer true?

Thanks for the link to LCHF diet. I will read it.

 

[gregb]

BG Levels and Complications?

Keeping our bg below 140 mg/dl (7.8 mmol/L) - where diabetic complications can start - at all times is the only way to avoid them, or to stop their progression, and depending on how severe the damage, sometimes some of the damage can be healed.

Hi Sorry I didn't ask earlier, can you point me to the place where this is discussed, please? I haven't found any discussion of what levels are associated with complications and would very much like to know what is known.

Thank you

 

[Gizmo]

You will find all of the information at the Blood Sugar 101 website. The information there is very reliable, and is pretty much considered to be the diabetic bible around here. Be sure to check out the section What Is Normal Blood Sugar and How To Lower Your Blood Sugar, although if you read everything at the site, you will definitely be ahead of the game.

Keep in mind that what doctors and dieticians (the ADA) consider to be normal readings are well above those that are actually normal readings... those of a non-diabetic.

It is important to test after eating so you will know how the food you are eating is affecting your bg, and when it comes to food, carbs are the thing that will raise bg higher than anything. You can control your bg by controlling the number of carbs you eat per meal. And yes, below 140 at all times especially includes after-meal readings.

Since you want to know what is known, most of us control our bg by eating low carb/high fat. You can check that out here LCHF for Beginners

After all that reading, also check out the recipe section of this forum, it is a very helpful tool.