Anemia linked to development of diabetic retinopathy in diabetes patients

Anemia is associated with the development of Diabetic retinopathy in patients of diabetes according to a study published in Journal Medicine.

Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM), leading to visual impairment and blindness. Many previous studies have shown a close link between anaemia and hypoxia-induced organ damage, including heart failure, angina, and pedal ulceration, as well as increased mortality.

The researchers conducted a study to assess whether anaemia is associated with diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and investigate the factors mediating the relationship between anaemia and diabetic retinopathy.

Dr Jin Ook Chung, from Chonnam National University in Gwangju, South Korea, and colleagues evaluated the association between anaemia (haemoglobin level <120 g/L in women and <130 g/L in men) and diabetic retinopathy. The investigators involved in total, 1637 individuals with type 2 DM in a cross-sectional study. Anaemia was defined as haemoglobin level <120 g/L in women and <130 g/L in men. A logistic regression model was used to determine the association between anaemia and diabetic retinopathy.

Anaemia was more prevalent in individuals with diabetic retinopathy. Logistic regression analysis found a statistically significant association between anaemia and diabetic retinopathy after adjustment for traditional risk factors (odds ratio, 1.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.10–1.89, P = .009). Further adjustment for serum bilirubin levels removed the statistically significant association.

The researchers found a positive relationship between anaemia and diabetic retinopathy in individuals with type 2 DM after adjusting for conventional risk factors including diabetes duration, A1C, and hypertension.

The researchers concluded that "Our study shows a positive relationship between anaemia and diabetic retinopathy in individuals with type 2 diabetes, which might be partly attributed to a correlated decline in total serum bilirubin levels.". "Further prospective investigations are necessary to explore the causal associations among anaemia, bilirubin, and diabetic retinopathy."In individuals with type 2 DM, anaemia is related to diabetic retinopathy, and its associates may be mediated by a correlated change in serum bilirubin levels.

For further reference log on to : doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000017693