THE ASSESSME T OF THE GLUCOSE DIABETIC RETI OPATHY A D I TIMA-MEDIA THICK ESS I TYPE 2 DIABETES

Abstract

Background. Type 2 diabetes is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and also generates multiple microvascular complications. We searched the association between increased intima-media thickness, as an early sign of atherosclerosis, and diabetic retinopathy in a group of patients with type 2 diabetes.

Material and methods. We examined 100 patients with type 2 diabetes, registered in Clinical Hospital C.F. Craiova. Intima-media thickness was assessed in carotid artery by ultrasound and diabetic retinopathy was graded by retinal photography according to Early Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy Study severity scale. Statistical analysis included Student’s, Mann–Whitney, chi-square, Fisher tests and multiple regression.

Results. Diabetic retinopathy was found in 42% of patients. IMT correlates highly significant with the presence of retinopathy (mean value 0,83 mm in those without retinopathy vs. 0,90 mm in those with nonproliferative retinopathy, vs. 0,93 in those with proliferative retinopathy: p = 0,000). In multiple regression analysis, diabetic retinopathy was the most significant predictor of increased IMT, with a p = 0,000, along with smoking (p = 0,031).

Conclusions. Diabetic retinopathy was associated with an increased intima-media thickness in type 2 diabetes and, furthermore, could be an independent predictor for atherosclerosis.