Advice- Mounjaro and backround retinopathy

[Neha09]

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice.
I’ve had type 2 diabetes since 2012 and currently take metformin 2000 mg and gliclazide 160 mg, but my latest HbA1c is 69,previously 62.

I also have a history of kidney stones and underwent PCNL in 2024 for a staghorn stone.
My GP sought advice and guidance regarding SGLT2 inhibitors due to history of kidney stones, but the advice was to start Mounjaro instead.

My biggest concern is my eye health. At last year’s diabetic eye screening, I was told I had maculopathy and was referred to the hospital. Following further assessment, I was discharged because maculopathy was not confirmed, although I was told I had background diabetic retinopathy.

The advice and guidance team has also said that no additional eye screening is needed, but I’m still feeling anxious about starting Mounjaro.
I’ve read that Mounjaro can potentially worsen diabetic retinopathy in some people, particularly when blood sugar levels improve quickly.
I have young children, and the thought of losing my eyesight is genuinely frightening.

Has anyone with background diabetic retinopathy or previous concerns about maculopathy taken Mounjaro? Did you experience any changes in your eyesight, and were you given any extra monitoring?

Am I worrying unnecessarily, or is it reasonable to ask for further reassurance about my eyes before starting?

Thank you!

Not linked to Mounjaro or similar but I had background retinopathy at my first eye scan. It was some months after my initial diagnosis and I had brought down my A1C from 10 to under 6 in a short space of time, which probably caused the retinopathy. At my next scan and every one since, (10+ years) there has been no trace of it. I’m now on a GLP-1 after some A1C creeping and the scans have remained clear. As I understand the retinopathy caused by a sudden drop in A1C is usually temporary.

I know it’s not exactly what you asked but ai thought my experience of temporary retinopathy after an A1C drop may help. The GLP-1 has been so far marvellous for my BG levels.

Thank you for sharing your experience. It really helps to understand what to expect. I am happy for my gp to start me on mounjaro ad long as the effects are temporary and doesn't cause permanent blindness .