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The Question
03/06/10 08:28 PM

"I am nearsighted, but have recently been having trouble reading as well (for about 24 hours). Is this farsightedness something to be concerned about?"
Asked By: sameckman  
Category: Vision

Background Info Hide
I am a recently diagnosed (less than one week ago) Type I diabetic, though I had been showing symptoms for 2-3 months prior to diagnosis. I've been on Apidra and levomir for about 5 days, and my blood sugars are fluctuating a lot but erring on the high side. I have not had any bouts with low blood sugar yet. I have very bad nearsightedness, but have never had farsightedness before. Over the time of this farsightedness, blood sugar has ranged from 89 fasting to highs around 230.

Expert Answers (1)

03/17/10 07:43 PM

Hello Sameckman: Thank you for bringing your concern to dLife, 'Yes', you should be concerned, eye care is important at any time, and especially with a diagnosis of diabetes, I would recommend a call to the doctor immediately, (to get those numbers down, check blood glucose many random different times and share with your doctor, (gives specifics to how you are responding to the insulin and it's behavior).
Changes in the tiny blood vessels that supply your retina-the part of the eye that detects light and thus visual images-can be related to the diabetes. Highs and lows in the blood glucose levels can cause temporary blurring of your vision. Your goal to remedy :
  • get the glucose under control, (140-180 mg/dl, per ADA and AACE),
  • Keep the blood pressures in a healthy range, (130/80 mmHg) as to stall off any potential of damage to these, and other small blood vessels
  • maintain a healthy eating pattern, seek assistances from your local Certified Diabetes Educators RD & RNs, if needed.

    The history of the elevated glucose levels, and considering your medications should gradually be trending blood glucose levels downward. These unusual high elevations in the blood glucose impact the entire body, especially the very small vessels of the eye. Diagnosis of diabetes frequently correspondences to another health irritation that triggers an appt. to the doctor, (the presence of the high numbers increase the risk for infections, very slow wound healing, (the eye exam-) changes in vision, to list a few.

    During this transition time to reach your goal for blood glucose readings, once they are resolved and the changes in vision correspond, schedule that visit with an Ophthalmologist for a through eye exam.
    Take care, be your best, regards Sue.

    • Answered By: Susan Throop
    Accreditations: RD, CDE, MA
    Sources Show

    Community Answers (0)

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