News & Research

Ability of retinopathy to predict cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, by José A. Gimeno-Orna and colleagues. American Journal of Cardiology 103:1364–1367, 2009

What is the problem and what is known about it so far?

People with diabetes are more likely than people without diabetes to get eye disease (retinopathy) and heart and blood vessel disease. Heart disease can lead to heart attacks and strokes. In fact, more than 65% of people with diabetes die from heart and blood vessel disease. It is important to identify those people with diabetes who have the highest risk for heart disease so they can get the right treatment.

Why did the researchers do this particular study?

The researchers wanted to find out if having diabetic eye disease makes a person more likely to get heart disease.

Who was studied?

The study included 458 patients with type 2 diabetes and diabetic eye disease who received care from a clinic in Spain.

How was the study done?

The researchers gathered data about patients at the start of the study. They looked closely at the amount of protein in each patient's urine, because having high levels of protein in one's urine is also a sign of a higher risk for heart disease. The researchers gathered information about how many of the patients had heart problems, including heart attacks, strokes, bypass surgery, lower-leg amputations, heart failure, and other events. They then looked at the information to find out whether having eye disease adds to someone's chances of getting heart disease.

What did the researchers find?

The heart disease rate was lowest in people with normal eye exams, higher in those with earlier stages of eye disease, and much higher in those with later stages of eye disease. Having eye disease meant that someone was more likely to get heart and blood vessel disease.

What were the limitations of the study?

The study relied on eye exam results, but researchers did not have access to the photos that were taken during the exams. If some patients' eye health was incorrectly classified, the findings could have been affected. Also, the patients were all from a single clinic, so findings may not apply to all people with diabetes.

What are the implications of the study?

Regular eye exams for people with diabetes can help them avoid serious vision problems through early treatment of eye disease. Eye exams may also identify patients who may need to take steps to lower their risk for heart and blood vessel disease.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Diabetes, heart disease, and stroke

Diabetic eye disease

101 Tips for Staying Healthy with Diabetes