diabetes mellitus
Research
Source: PLOS ONE
Risk factors for eye disease in patients with type 2 diabetes
In a nutshell
This study investigated risk factors for eye disease in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Some background
Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are at a higher risk of developing retinopathy (eye disease) than the general population. Some risk factors such as elevated HbA1c (average blood glucose over 3 months) or high blood pressure can be reduced by medical intervention. In type 1 diabetes patients, kidney disease increases the progression rate of retinopathy. However, it is unclear whether this relationship exists in T2D. Identification of modifiable risk factors for retinopathy in T2D patients could help prevention.
Methods & findings
This study aimed to determine risk factors for retinopathy in T2D. 64,784 patients with T2D took part in this study. The patients were followed for 13 years. The patients were tested for retinopathy. Doctors graded the retinopathy as mild, severe or diabetic macular edema (a condition resulting from the most severe stage of retinopathy). Weight, HbA1c, blood pressure and the presence of kidney disease were also measured.
Overall, 20.12% of participants had retinopathy. 0.77% had diabetic macular edema. Male gender was associated with an 11% increase in risk of developing any retinopathy. Patients with an HbA1c greater than 8% had a 34% increased risk. High blood pressure (greater than 140/80 mmHg) was associated with a 15% increase. Early-stage kidney disease increased the risk by 16%. Obesity was not associated with a significant increase in retinopathy.
An HbA1c greater than 8%, high blood pressure and early kidney disease were associated with an increased risk of severe retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. Late-stage kidney disease led to a 2.77 times increased risk of macular edema.
The bottom line
This study concluded that male gender, HbA1c greater than 8%, high blood pressure and kidney disease are associated with retinopathy in T2D patients. All of these factors, apart from gender, were predictors for the development of severe retinopathy or diabetic macular edema.
The fine print
This study was carried out on patients from a German/Austrian database so the findings may not be as relevant to the wider population.
What's next?
Consult your doctor if you have T2D and you are concerned about your risk of developing retinopathy.
Disclaimer:
This information should not be relied upon as a substitute for personal medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Use the information provided by Medivizor solely at your own risk. Medivizor makes no warranties or representations as to the accuracy of information provided herein. If you have any concerns about your health, please consult a physician.
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tanks for the information
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After 30 years with insulin, I was so close to lose my eyes but, an exceptional treatment gives me back my 20/20 vision. that could be great researchers make a look to put useable for all diabetics with type 2 which concern. And this treatment concern more than just the eyes. I am 62. My diabetes starts 1985 and, now, I am full in health. I am taking my insulin as I am taking my cup of tisane, every day. Reply
That was great news but was is the cup of tisane? And where would you buy it or is this something the doctor would prescribe? Reply
No, James, it's not a cup of tisane. it's chemist molecule use to renew, good keratinocyte and there is the goal for diabetes complications. Do you know researcher who would like to determine how introduce it medical use? Reply
What is tisane? Reply
How do cateracts relate to diabetes two?
I have the start of them 2 years, I cannot stand bright lights, sunlight I prefer to stay inside cannot stand the glare. Glare is a migraine trigger for me. I am sixty five, and have been diagonised approx eight years, maybe nine. Reply
Cataracts is known to develop at an earlier age in diabetic patients. It is also considered faster progressing in diabetics.
You should consult with a specialist regarding symptoms and treatment options. Reply
We talk about retinopathy, please, Matt@Medivizor.
In the same pathology, let see: kidney failure and nephropathy, problem with your endothelium, foot injuries, and amputations. Nothing with your cataracts if, as you say: developing earlier and progressing faster with the diabetes as you going older.
I wish you a happy new year
Walter
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I'm having Cataract surgery in Feb. and Mar. they said I possibly caught the disease from diabetes. But my Cataracts are bad, I put off surgery because I didn't think I could afford to have the surgery, but I was able to work it out, and it not costing me as much as I thought, I will be glad when I have surgery, in hopes to see better for the first time in my life, I hope I have caught my eye sight before the diabetes set in. Linda Elton Reply
Many thanks Reply
Ah, sorry, Matt@Medvizor, your answer is for anne, realy sorry
Walter Reply
Good info. I have been under 8 always. My wife and I teach diabetic coarses with info. Provided form Stanford University. These coarses are taught in many Countries. Reply
Good ino & questions. I am a 52 yr old female under 8% & have 3 cater acts. I'm on no medication just excerise & diet. I think it depends on background too. I'm half African Canadian Reply
Take care Teri. That’s the condition of haft of the population, don’t worry.
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Teri have you ever been on insulin and/or pills. Are you still considered a diabetic? I prob could get off meds too but I'm not quite compliant with my exercise. Diet not bad at all except for a few sugar treats during the week What was your target number ! Where do you live. What state or province. That has some bearing as to what kind of diet you eat. Thankyou Annette. NYC Reply
Dear Annette
Thx for responding no meds yet. Although I have Dr. Apptmt today that could change that. I live in Newmarket On. I am a food addict that's what created my dieabeties. I am going into a residential treatment in June Reply
Type 2 have had my eye check 2 days ago they have not changed in 5 years no sign of any damage....my mother had MD and was type 2 lost her sight 3 years ago for years i took her to Melb from Mildura....she would have a needle with Avandia and Lucentis into her eye ball but eventually nothing helped it....i think blindness is worst as it robbed her of so many things she passed away 6mth ago aged 91....x Reply
Sorry to hear about ur mom it must have to terrible not to be able to see this incredibly beautiful world. May she rest in peace Reply
I have cataracts on both eyes. I also have lots of floaters. I went to eye doc last week because I have a big floater in my right eye. It's right in the center an its really hard to see. If I don't think about it it doesn't bother me unless I'm reading or doing computer work at my job. He said I could end up with a detached retina. That sounds scary.bbim on insulin an metformin. Diagnosed around 8 years ago. Reply
There is a treatment where they can remove the large floater. I was just at my eye dr. She said that because I want to have my cateract done, I have a o have that first. Then 6 months to 1 year later they can remove the floater. They have to wait to make sure the eye healed correctly from cateract surgery. Might want to ask your ophthalmologist about the floater procedure. Reply
I've never heard of cateracts causing detached retina usually that is caused by head injuries. Perhaps ur cateract is what's in the middle of ur eye causing you difficulty. Don't floaters come & go I've never heard of them staying. Pls inform me so I can be aware thx you Reply
Yes floaters are permanent. They may be small and seem to disappear because your brain becomes use to it being there because you cause the floater to go to the perimeter of the eye and so not as visible. However, if you have a large floater this is not possible. The floater remains visible and you can try to ignore it but it still affects vision. This is when a procedure to remove them can be done. Reply
I have had laser surgery for retinopathy. This was when I was newly diagnosed with T2D . Now I'm stable with better glucose control. Reply