In a nutshell
This study looked at the relationship between changes in the retinal nerves (diabetic retinopathy; DR) and changes in the nerves of the hands and feet (diabetic neuropathy; DN) in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). It found that tests that monitor the retinal nerves such as OCTA which is a quick and inexpensive test, could be used to identify patients with DN who need further nerve investigations.
Some background
Long-term uncontrolled diabetes can lead to damage to the nerves and blood vessels. It can cause complications such as diabetic neuropathy (DN) or retinopathy (DR). DN is a painful, debilitating condition affecting mainly the feet and hands. There is not much treatment available so early detection and prevention are important. DR is a potentially blinding condition affecting the retina (the light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye). Early signs of DR can be detected using retinal imaging techniques called optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). OCTA shows subtle changes in the retinal nerves.
Nerve conduction studies can be used to look for changes in the nerves of the hands and feet. However, these tests are more difficult and time-consuming than OCTA. It is not known if OCTA changes correspond to nerve conduction study changes.
Methods & findings
50 adolescents with T1D were involved in this study. They did not have any signs or symptoms of DR or DN. Participants underwent retinal nerve testing (OCTA), measuring various aspects of their retinas. They also underwent testing of the nerves of the hands and feet.
Positive findings on OCTA were associated with positive findings in various functional and sensory tests of nerves of the hands and feet.
The bottom line
This study showed that some changes in the retinal nerves in the eye correspond to some changes in the nerves of the hands and feet. This means that OCTA, which is a quick and inexpensive test, could potentially be used to identify patients at risk of DN, who need further investigation.
The fine print
This study involved a small group of very similar patients. More studies are needed to confirm these results.
Published By :
PLOS ONE
Date :
Jun 05, 2021
