Association of Vitamin D Deficiency with Diabetic Retinopathy in Young People with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Diabetic retinopathy is among the most common diabetic complications, and is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world. Recent studies have linked vitamin D to the pathogenesis of diabetes and there is growing evidence that vitamin D can interfere with the mechanisms involved in diabetes and its complications. Despite improvements in treatment, diabetic retinopathy remains a significant complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Identification of early treatable predictors of diabetic retinopathy such as vitamin D deficiency, may allow more aggressive management of those at high risk. Purpose: To assess the association of vitamin D deficiency with diabetic retinopathy in young people with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Design: Observational study with case control design. Method: 60 young people with type 1 diabetes aged between 11 to 24 years were included in this study. Among them, 30-young people have diabetic retinopathy and 30-young people do not have diabetic retinopathy. Purposive sampling technique was applied as per inclusion criteria. Statistical analysis of the results was done by using computer-based software, SPSS version 26. P value of less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Vitamin D deficiency was present in 83% of the young people with diabetic retinopathy and in 53% without diabetic retinopathy. The mean vitamin D level in young people with and without diabetic retinopathy was 17.38 ± 3.77 ng/ml and 20.15 ± 5.06 ng/ml respectively and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.019). Vitamin D deficiency was increased with the severity of diabetic retinopathy. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression showed vitamin D deficiency was independently associated with diabetic retinopathy with a crude odds ratio of 5.69 with a p value of 0.008 and adjusted odds ratio of 16.08 with a p value of 0.002 respectively. Conclusion: Result of the study revealed that vitamin D deficiency was strongly associated with diabetic retinopathy in young people with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Link between periodontitis and diabetic retinopathy:Inflammatory pathways and clinical implications

The bidirectional relationship between periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus has been well-established.However,the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear.Diabetic retinopathy(DR)is an important complication of diabetes,but there are few studies on the relationship between DR and periodontitis,especially on the intrinsic inflammatory pathway mechanism.This article reviews the latest clinical data on how diabetes promotes susceptibility to periodontitis from the epidemiological and molecular perspectives,with a special focus on the key roles of systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in the interplay between DR and periodontitis.Comprehension of the intertwined pathogenesis of DR and periodontitis can better guide the development of comprehensive management strategies for glycemic control and periodontal health,with the aim of mitigating the progression of DR and enhancing overall well-being.

Periodontal disease:A silent factor in the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy

The global increase in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)and its complications presents significant challenges to public health.Recently,periodontal disease(PD)was recognized as a factor that is likely to influence the progression of T2DM and its complications due to its potential to exacerbate systemic inflammation and oxidative stress.In this editorial,we comment on the article published by Thazhe Poyil et al in the very recent issue of the World Journal of Diabetes in 2024,which investigated the correlation between PD and diabetic retinopathy(DR)in T2DM patients,with emphasis on the association between periodontal swollen surface area,glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c),interleukin-6(IL-6),and lipoprotein(a).The findings by Thazhe Poyil et al are significant as they demonstrate a strong link between PD and DR in T2DM patients.This correlation highlights the importance of addressing periodontal health in diabetes management to potentially reduce the risk and severity of DR,a complication of diabetes.The integration of periodontal evaluation and treatment into diabetes care protocols may lead to improved glycemic control and better overall outcomes for T2DM patients.A few studies have established an interconnection between PD and diabetic complication,specifically DR,in T2DM patients,which we aim to highlight in this editorial.Emphasis was placed on the different mechanisms that suggest a bidirectional relationship between PD and T2DM,where the presence of periodontal inflammation negatively influenced glycemic control and contributed to the development and progression of DR through shared inflammatory and vascular mechanisms.This article highlights the importance of collaboration amongst diabetes specialists,ophthalmologists,periodontists,and public health professionals to advance the prevention,early detection,and treatment of PD and DR.This will improve the health and quality of life of T2DM patients.Moreover,the editorial highlights the need for further research on the specific molecular and immunological mechanisms that underlie the link between periodontitis and DR,with identification of common inflammatory biomarkers and signaling pathways.This is expected to facilitate effective direction of therapeutic objectives,thereby improving the management of diabetes and its complications through integrated care that incorporates oral health.

Autophagy-dependent ferroptosis may play a critical role in early stages of diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy(DR),as one of the most common and significant microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus(DM),continues to elude effective targeted treatment for vision loss despite ongoing enrichment of the understanding of its pathogenic mechanisms from perspectives such as inflammation and oxidative stress.Recent studies have indicated that characteristic neuroglial degeneration induced by DM occurs before the onset of apparent microvascular lesions.In order to comprehensively grasp the early-stage pathological changes of DR,the retinal neurovascular unit(NVU)will become a crucial focal point for future research into the occurrence and progression of DR.Based on existing evidence,ferroptosis,a form of cell death regulated by processes like ferritinophagy and chaperone-mediated autophagy,mediates apoptosis in retinal NVU components,including pericytes and ganglion cells.Autophagy-dependent ferroptosis-related factors,including BECN1 and FABP4,may serve as both biomarkers for DR occurrence and development and potentially crucial targets for future effective DR treatments.The aforementioned findings present novel perspectives for comprehending the mechanisms underlying the early-stage pathological alterations in DR and open up innovative avenues for investigating supplementary therapeutic strategies.

Risk factors associated with retinal neovascularization of diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIM: To evaluate the risk factors associated with retinal neovascularization of diabetic retinopathy in northern Chinese Han patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: The clinical characteristics of 200 patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and 100 age-matched healthy individuals were compared. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed in the patients with PDR. RESULTS: Fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid (UA), white blood cell count (WBC), absolute neutrophil count, hematocrit (HCT) and mean platelet volume (MPV) and mean platelet volume (MPV) were all significantly higher in patients with PDR than in the control group (P<0.05). The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that risk factors independently associated with retinal neovascularization of DR were duration of diabetes mellitus (OR=1.112; P=0.000), BUN (OR=1.277; P=0.000), smoking (OR=3.967; P=0.000) and MPV (OR=2.472; P=0.000). On the other hand, panretinal photocoagulation was associated with reduced risk of retinal neovascularization (OR=0.983; P=0.000). CONCLUSION: Preventing and controlling T2DM in terms of risk factors, including duration of diabetes, BUN, smoking and MPV, might offer novel approaches to prevent or delay the onset of retinal neovascularization in patients with PDR.

Risk factors for diabetic retinopathy in northern Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIM: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in northern Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study was performed between May 2011 and April 2012. A total of 1100 patients (male/female, 483/617) were included in this study. DR was defined following the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) severity scale. All included patients accepted a comprehensive ophthalmic examination including retinal photographs. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) after adjusting for age and gender. RESULTS: Retinopathy was present in 307 patients with a prevalence of 27.9%. In univariate logistic analysis, presence of DR was associated with longer duration of diabetes (OR, 5.70; 95% CI, 2.91-12.56), higher concentration of fasting blood glucose (OR, 12.94; 95% CI, 2.40-67.71), higher level of glycosylated hemoglobin HbA1c (OR, 5.50; 95% CI, 3.78-11.97) and insulin treatment (OR, 6.99; 95%Cl, 1.39-35.12). The lifestyle of patients with T2DM including smoking, alcohol consumption and regular exercise seemed not associated with the development of DR. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that fasting serum glucose concentration, HbA1c level, duration of diabetes and insulin treatment are potential risk factors for DR in northern Chinese patients with T2DM, while the lifestyle of included patients seems not associated with DR.

The relationship between insulin resistance/β-cell dysfunction and diabetic retinopathy in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus： the Desheng Diabetic Eye Study

AIM： To investigate the relationship between insulin resistance （IR）/β-cell dysfunction and diabetic retinopathy （DR） in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus （T2DM）, and to explore further whether there were differences in the relationship among diabetic patients with higher and lower body mass index （BMI）. METHODS： Cross-sectional study. A total of 1466 subjects with T2DM were recruited in a local Desheng Community of urban Beijing from November 2009 to June 2012 for the cohort of Beijing Desheng Diabetic Eye Study. Standardized evaluation was carried out for each participant, including questionnaire, ocular and anthropometric examinations, and laboratory tests. Seven fields 30° color fundus photographs were used for DR grading according to the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study protocols. Homeostatis Model Assessment （HOMA） method was employed for IR and β-cell function assessment. RESULTS： After excluding those participants who were treated with insulin （n=352） or had missing data of fasting insulin （n=96）, and further excluding those with poor quality of retinal photographs （n=10）, a total of 1008 subjects were included for the final analysis, 406 （40.3%） were men and 602 （59.7%） were women, age ranging fiom 34 to 86 （64.87±8.28）y. Any DR （levels 14 and above） was present in 278 （27.6%） subjects. After adjusting for possible covariates, the presence of any DR did not correlate with HOMA IR [odds ratio （OR） 1.51, 95% confidence interval （Cl） 0.87-2.61, P=0.14] or HOMA β-cell （OR 0.71, 95%CI 0.40-1.26, P=0.25）. After stratification by BMI, the presence of any DR was associated positively with HOMA IR （OR 2.46, 95%CI： 1.18-5.12, P=0.016）, and negatively with HOMA β-cell （OR 0.40, 95%CI： 0.19-0.87, P=0.021） in the group of patients with higher BMI （225 kg/m2）. In the group of patients with lower BMI （〈25 kg/m2）, the presence of any DR was not associated with HOMA IR （OR 1.00, 95%C1： 0.43-2.33, P=I.00） or HOMA β-cell （OR 1.41, 95%CI： 0.60-3.32, P=0.43）. CONCLUSION： The data suggest that higher IR and lower 13-cell function are associated with the presence of DR in the subgroup of diabetic patients with higher BMI. However, this association is not statistically significant in diabetic patients with lower BMI.

Epidemiological characteristics and risk factors of diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus in Shandong Peninsula of China

AIM: To determine the epidemiological characteristics and estimate the risk factors of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Shandong Peninsula of China. METHODS: The cases of T2DM admitted to Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Qingdao University, Shandong Province, China, from January 2006 to December 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. The epidemiological characteristics of DR were estimated. The cases were divided into two groups according to degrees of retinopathy: non-DR group and DR group. Logistic regression analysis was used to study the related risk factors of DR. RESULTS: The prevalence of DR in patients with T2DM was 25.08% (834/3326). There was significant difference between the average age for men (59.08 +/- 15.43 years) and for women (62.92 +/- 18.19 years, P=0.0021). The majority of DR occurred in women (female: male ratio=1.76:1, P<0.0001). The incidence rate of DR in urban (489/834) was higher than that in rural area (345/834, P<0.0001). In 834 DR patients, the mean duration of T2DM was 8.90 +/- 4.15 years (range: 0-16 years); 440 people (52.76%) had received varying degrees of health education about prevention and primary care of DM; and 473 people (56.71%) suffered from other DM complications confirmed at the same time. In addition, the incidence rate of monocular (551/3326) and binocular retinopathy (283/3326) were statistically different (P<0.0001). Factors associated (p<0.05) with the presence of DR included old age, lower health educational level, intraocular surgery history, longer duration of T2DM, accompanying with other DM complications, no standard treatment procedure, lower body mass index (BMI) and higher fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated hemoglobin A(1)C (HbA(1)C), urine albumin (UA), total cholesterol (TC), low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). The risk factors (P<0.05) independently associated with the presence of DR were: longer duration of T2DM, lower health educational level, higher FPG, higher UA, lower BMI and higher IC. CONCLUSION: DR is highly prevalent in the patients with T2DM in Shandong Peninsula of China. Besides blood glucose, many factors are associated with the present and development of DR.

C-reactive protein and diabetic retinopathy in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIM：To investigate the relationship between Creactive protein（CRP）and diabetic retinopathy（DR）in a cohort of Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus（T2DM）.·METHODS：Community-based observational cohort study.There were 1131 participants recruited from November 2009 to September 2011 in Desheng community in urban Beijing.Patients diagnosed T2DM were recruited and underwent a standardized evaluation consisting of a questionnaire,ocular and anthropometric examinations and laboratory investigation.The presence and severity of DR were assessed by seven fields 30°color fundus photographs.Subjects were then classified into groups with no DR,any DR,or vision-threatening DR.CRP was analyzed from serum of study subjects.·RESULTS：A total of 1007 patients with T2DM were included for analysis,including 408（40.5%）men and 599（59.5%）women.The median CRP level was 1.5 mg/L for women and 1.1 mg/L for men（=0.004,OR 0.37,95%CI0.18-0.74）.After adjusting for possible covariates,higher levels of CRP were associated with lower prevalence of any DR（=0.02,OR 0.55,95%CI 0.35-0.89）,but not associated with vision-threatening DR（=0.62,OR 0.78,95%CI 0.28-2.14）.After stratification by sex,the inverse association between CRP and DR was found to be statistically significant in men（=0.006,OR 0.35,95%CI0.16-0.73）,but not in women（=0.58,OR 0.88,95%CI0.29-1.16）.·CONCLUSION：The data drawn from a Chinese population with T2DM suggest that increasing CRP levels may be inversely associated with development of DR.

Awareness of eye complications and prevalence of retinopathy in the first visit to eye clinic among type 2 diabetic patients

AIM:To assess the awareness of eye complications and the prevalence of retinopathy,in the first visit to eye clinic,among type 2 diabetic patients attending a tertiary medical centre in Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia.METHODS:An investigator-administered questionnaire was given to 137 patients with diabetes undergoing first time eye screening in the eye clinic.This was followed by a detailed fundus examination by a senior ophthalmologist to assess for presence of retinopathy.RESULTS:Almost 86% of respondents were aware of diabetic eye complications,especially in patients who had achieved tertiary educational level(96.3%).The majority of the patients(78.8%) were referred by their physicians and only 20.4% came on their own initiative.Many of the patients(43.8%) did not know how frequent they should go for an eye check-up and 72.3% did not know what treatments were available.Lack of understanding on diabetic eye diseases(68.6%) was the main barrier for most patients for not coming for eye screening earlier.Despite a high level of awareness,only 21.9% had recorded HbA1c level of <6.5% while 31.4% were under the erroneous assumption of having a good blood sugar control.A total of 29.2% had diabetic retinopathy in their first visit eye testing.CONCLUSION:In the present study,29.2% of type 2 diabetic patients had retinopathy in their first time eye testing.Although the awareness of diabetic eye complications was high among first time eye screening patients,the appropriate eye care-seeking behavior was comparatively less and should be rectified to prevent the rise of this sight threatening eye disease.

Newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus patients presenting with proliferative diabetic retinopathy as an initial sign

AIM: To investigate the clinical features of newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus(NDM) patients showing proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR) as an initial sign. ·METHODS: As a retrospective case series,the medical records of a total of four hundred and thirty-two patients who underwent a vitrectomy due to PDR were reviewed to find the subjects. Of 432 patients,six cases of NDM patients showing PDR as an initial sign were included and analyzed with their systemic and ocular features. Main outcome measures: the systemic features and ocular features [preoperative and postoperative best corrected visual acuity(BCVA),intraoperative findings]. ·RESULTS: The mean onset age of visual symptoms was 36.3 years old. The mean serum insulin and C-peptide titer was below the normal range. The mean fasting plasma glucose was 178mg/dL and the mean postprandial 2h plasma glucose was 306mg/dL. The mean HbA1c at diagnosis was 11.02%. In all cases,an acute progressive fibrovascular proliferation was observed. Intraoperative retinal tears were found in three cases of six. The mean preoperative BCVA was +0.67 ± 0.58 logMAR and the mean BCVA at postoperative 6 months was +0.20±0.30 logMAR. ·CONCLUSION: All patients were considered to have latent autoimmune diabetes in adults(LADA). A rapid deterioration of kidney function as well as poor diabetic control status at diagnosis was observed in all six cases. The ocular features of the patients showed acute progressive fibrovascular proliferation and relatively favorable postoperative visual acuity.

Correlation of periodontal inflamed surface area with glycated hemoglobin,interleukin-6 and lipoprotein(a)in type 2 diabetes with retinopathy

BACKGROUND The two-way relationship between periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is well established.Prolonged hyperglycemia contributes to increased periodontal destruction and severe periodontitis,accentuating diabetic complications.An inflammatory link exists between diabetic retinopathy(DR)and periodontitis,but the studies regarding this association and the role of lipoprotein(a)[Lp(a)]and interleukin-6(IL-6)in these conditions are scarce in the literature.AIM To determine the correlation of periodontal inflamed surface area(PISA)with glycated Hb(HbA1c),serum IL-6 and Lp(a)in T2DM subjects with retinopathy.METHODS This cross-sectional study comprised 40 T2DM subjects with DR and 40 T2DM subjects without DR.All subjects were assessed for periodontal parameters[bleeding on probing(BOP),probing pocket depth,clinical attachment loss(CAL),oral hygiene index-simplified,plaque index(PI)and PISA],and systemic parameters[HbA1c,fasting plasma glucose and postprandial plasma glucose,fasting lipid profile,serum IL-6 and serum Lp(a)].RESULTS The proportion of periodontitis in T2DM with and without DR was 47.5%and 27.5%respectively.Severity of periodontitis,CAL,PISA,IL-6 and Lp(a)were higher in T2DM with DR group compared to T2DM without DR group.Significant difference was observed in the mean percentage of sites with BOP between T2DM with DR(69%)and T2DM without DR(41%),but there was no significant difference in PI(P>0.05).HbA1c was positively correlated with CAL(r=0.351,P=0.001),and PISA(r=0.393,P≤0.001)in study subjects.A positive correlation was found between PISA and IL-6(r=0.651,P<0.0001);PISA and Lp(a)(r=0.59,P<0.001);CAL and IL-6(r=0.527,P<0.0001)and CAL and Lp(a)(r=0.631,P<0.001)among study subjects.CONCLUSION Despite both groups having poor glycemic control and comparable plaque scores,the periodontal parameters were higher in DR as compared to T2DM without DR.Since a bidirectional link exists between periodontitis and DM,the presence of DR may have contributed to the severity of periodontal destruction and periodontitis may have influenced the progression of DR.

CHANGES OF NAILFOLD MICROCIRCULATION IN PATIENTS OF TYPE II DIABETES MELLITUS WITH DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

Objective. To study the changes of microcirculation in patients with diabetic retinopathy(DR). Methods. Examination were performed in 153 cases of type Ⅱ diabetes mellitus, among them, 72 cases were male, 81 cases were female, mean age 57.0±10.0 years, mean disease course 8.2±7.5 years. All cases were examined fundi by ophthalmologist, urinary albumin excretion rate (UAE) in 24 hours was measured by radioimmunoassay. Moreover, we examined the blood glucose, blood pressure, blood viscosity and observed the changes of naifold microcirculation. Results.It was found that there were more evident disturbance of microcirculation, markedly slowed velocity of blood flow(P<0.05), significantly increased aggregation of blood cells(P<0.05) and exudation around the loop(P<0.05) in the group with DR, compared with the group without DR. Conclusion. It was more evident disturbance of nailfold microcirculation in patients with diabetic retinopathy.

The C161T Polymorphism in Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor ɣ2, but Not Pro12Ala, Is Associated with Diabetic Retinopathy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in an Egyptian Population

Objectives: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common microvascular complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It is multifactorial with the contribution of multiple genetic factors. We questioned the association of polymorphisms in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ?2 (PPAR?2) gene (Pro12Ala and C161T) with DR in an Egyptian population. Methods: This case control study included one hundred healthy individuals and 252 T2DM among them 122 with DR and 130 without DR. Genotyping was done by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results: The Pro12Ala Ala allele was associated with decreased risk of DR with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.484, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.254 - 0.920), and a p value = 0.024. The C161T T allele was associated with increased risk of DR with OR = 2.593, 95% CI (1.672 - 4.020), p < 0.001. However, when considering other covariates such as glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in multivariate regression analysis only C161T was associated with increased risk of DR with OR = 3.479, 95% CI (1.907 - 6.346), p < 0.001, while the significant association with Pro12Ala was lost. HbA1c was higher in Pro/Pro genotype when compared to those with Ala/Ala and Pro/Ala genotypes. Conclusion: We report that T allele of C161T increased risk of DR in the studied population. Further studies are warranted to investigate functional implications of polymorphisms of the PPAR-? gene in DR development.

Increased melatonin levels in aqueous humor of patients with proliferative retinopathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIM： To report the association between melatonin levels in aqueous humor and serum, and diabetic retinopathy（DR） grade in type 2 diabetic patients.·METHODS： Aqueous humor and plasma samples from26 patients with DR（in nonproliferative and proliferative stages） and 14 control subjects were collected during cataract surgery after 6 p.m. Melatonin concentrations were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA）.·RESULTS： Melatonin levels were significantly higher in the aqueous humor of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy（PDR） [18.57 ±2.67 pg/m L（range 15.20-23.06）vs 13.63±2.71 pg/m L（range 10.20-20.20）, P =0.0001], but not in those with nonproliferative retinopathy（NPDR）[13.79±2.56 pg/m L（range 9.80-20.10） vs 13.63±2.71 pg/m L（range 10.20-20.20）, P =0.961] compared to controls. There was decrement in the plasma melatonin level of patients with PDR, but no significant differences between the plasma melatonin levels of the study groups [ 5. 37 ±1.74 pg/m L（range 2.85-8.65） vs 6.11±1.90 pg/m L（range3.13-9.41）, P =0.293], or between control and DR groups[NPDR 6.11 ±1.90 pg/m L（range 3.13-9.41） vs control6.15±1.91 pg/m L（range 2.18-9.86）; PDR（5.37±1.74 pg/m L（range 2.85-8.65） vs control 6.15 ±1.91 pg/m L（range2.18-9.86）, P =0.808, P =0.264].·CONCLUSION： Elevated melatonin levels in aqueous humor in PDR may indicate the level to be associated with DR severity.

Acute worsening of microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus during rapid glycemic control:The pathobiology and therapeutic implications

While chronic hyperglycaemia resulting from poorly controlled diabetes mellitus(DM)is a well-known precursor to complications such as diabetic retinopathy,neuropathy(including autonomic neuropathy),and nephropathy,a paradoxical intensification of these complications can rarely occur with aggressive glycemic management resulting in a rapid reduction of glycated haemoglobin.Although,acute onset or worsening of retinopathy and treatment induced neuropathy of diabetes are more common among these complications,rarely other problems such as albuminuria,diabetic kidney disease,Charcot’s neuroarthropathy,gastroparesis,and urinary bladder dysfunction are also encountered.The World Journal of Diabetes recently published a rare case of all these complications,occurring in a young type 1 diabetic female intensely managed during pregnancy,as a case report by Huret et al.It is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the pathobiology,prevalence,predisposing factors,and management strategies for acute onset,or worsening of microvascular complications when rapid glycemic control is achieved,which serves to alleviate patient morbidity,enhance disease management compliance,and possibly to avoid medico-legal issues around this rare clinical problem.This editorial delves into the dynamics surrounding the acute exacerbation of microvascular complications in poorly controlled DM during rapid glycaemic control.

Clinical study on Salvia Miltiorrhiza + calcium dobesilate treatment of early retinopathy of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objective:To study the efficacy of Salvia Miltiorrhiza+calcium dobesilate for early retinopathy of type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods:The patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy admitted to our hospital between August 2016 and February 2018 were chosen and randomly divided into the observation group receiving Salvia Miltiorrhiza+calcium dobesilate treatment and the control group receiving calcium dobesilate treatment.Before treatment and 3 months after treatment,ophthalmologic examination was conducted to measure the hemangioma volume,macular thickness and blood spot area,and serum was collected to measure the contents of angiogenesis molecules,inflammation molecules and oxidative stress molecules.Results:The hemangioma volume,macular thickness and blood spot area as well as serum hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α),vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),erythropoietin(EPO),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1),malondialdehyde(MDA)and advanced oxidation protein product(AOPP)levels of both groups were significantly lower whereas serum pigment epithelium-derived factor(PEDF),heme oxygenase-1(HO-1),vitamin E(VitE)and total antioxidant capacity(TAC)levels were significantly higher after treatment,and the hemangioma volume,macular thickness and blood spot area as well as serum HIF-1α,VEGF,EPO,IL-1β,TNF-α,ICAM-1,MDA and AOPP levels of observation group after treatment were significantly lower than those of control group whereas serum PEDF,HO-1,VitE and TAC levels were significantly higher than those of control group.Conclusion:Salvia Miltiorrhiza+calcium dobesilate treatment of early retinopathy of type 2 diabetes mellitus is more effective than calcium dobesilate alone in improving the condition and inhibiting the angiogenesis,inflammation and oxidative stress.

Prevalence of Microvascular Complications and Associated Risk Factors among Diabetes Mellitus Patients Attending Nyeri County Referral Hospital, Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Study

Microvascular complications are one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). More than 50% of Nyeri County Referral Hospital (NCRH) admissions result from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and over 55% of hospital deaths are attributable to NCDs. In Kenya, Nyeri County has the highest prevalence of diabetes mellitus compared to other counties. This study therefore sought to assess the prevalence of microvascular complications and the associated risk factors among patients attending Nyeri County Referral Hospital in Kenya. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 314 DM patients on follow-up at NCRH from August 2022 to October 2022. Data were analyzed using STATA version 17. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses are used to determine the risk factors associated with Microvascular complications of DM. Among the 314 participants with DM, 58% were females. The overall prevalence of Microvascular complications (MVCs) is 36.62%. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy was the most frequent complication (27.4%). Inadequate physical exercise was a risk factor for all MVCs. Age, marital status, and level of education were risk factors for neuropathy while smoking and alcohol intake were risk factors for nephropathy. Non-smokers were 98% less likely to have nephropathy (OR = 0.024;95% CI 0.003 - 0.145). The odds of those who exercise once weekly getting retinopathic complications reduced by 83% (OR = 0.18, 95% CI 0.049 - 0.398) compared to those who exercise daily. The findings highlight the implication of lifestyle factors in the development of MVCs among DM patients. Therefore, benefits of microvascular complications prevention should thus be factored into the management of patients with diabetes mellitus.

Association of serum lipid levels with diabetic retinopathy

AIM: To assess the association between serum lipids and diabetic retinopathy (DR). · METHODS: Sixty -one diabetic patients without retinopathy (NDR), 55 diabetic patients with non - proliferative retinopathy (NPDR) and 75 diabetic patients with proliferative retinopathy (PDR) according to ETDRS grading scale were enrolled in this study. Total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and triglyceride values were compared between the groups. ·RESULTS: The groups were well-balanced in terms of age and gender (P =0.071, P =0.265 respectively). The mean HbA1c values were significantly lower in NDR group than the NPDR and PDR groups(P =0.004, P =0.009 respectively). Mean total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, HDL and VLDL levels were not significantly different between the groups (P =0.693, P =0.774, P =0.644, P = 0.910 and P =0.967 respectively, one way ANOVA). Mean total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, HDL and VLDL levels were not significantly different between the patients with ME and patients without ME(P =0.622, P =0.113, P =0.955, P =0.735 and P =0.490 respectively, t -test). The mean blood glucose significantly correlated with total cholesterol (r =0.173, P =0.017) and LDL (r =0.190, P = 0.008). The mean HbA1c significantly correlated with total cholesterol (r =0.158, P =0.030) and triglyceride (r =0.148, P =0.042). ·CONCLUSION: Serum lipid levels were not significantly associated with the severity of DR or existence of ME despite the significant correlation between the mean blood glucose, HbA1c and total cholesterol.

Mayombian ethnic,vegetables low intake,insulin treatment,diabetic nephropathy and severe diabetic retinopathy are determinants of blindness in diabetic Africans

· AIM: to determine the frequency and causes of blindness in diabetic Africans. ·METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional survey carried out among known black diabetics consecutively admitted at the Teaching Hospital, University of Kinshasa, between 2005 and 2007. Examination methods included interviewer -administered structured question - naire, eye examinations (visual acuity, tonometry, funduscopy), and fasting plasma glycaemia test. ·RESULTS: Of the 227 patients examined, 15.9% had blindness. Univariate analyses showed significant association between female, severity of diabetic retinopathy, Mayombian ethnic group, use of insulin treatment, low intake of vegetables, diabetic nephropathy, open angle glaucoma and blindness in all diabetics. After logistic regression, only diabetic nephropathy, use of insulin treatment, macular oedema, Mayombian ethnic group and vegetables low intake were the independent risk factors of blindness in all diabetics. However, after logistic regression in the sub -group with diabetic retinopathy, only open angle glaucoma and proliferative diabetic retinopathy were the independent determinants of blindness.·CONCLUSION: The majority of the causes of blindness in these diabetic Africans are avoidable. It is recommended that appropriate diabetes care, nutrition education, periodic eye examination and laser photocoagulation facilities should be provided for treating diabetics in sub-Saharan Africa. ·