Innovative technology shows impact of glycaemic control on peripheral retinal vessels in adolescents with type 1 diabetes

Abstract

Aims/hypothesis: Retinal imaging enables non-invasive microvasculature assessment; however, only central retinal vessels have been studied in type 1 diabetes. Peripheral smaller vessels have a major haemodynamic role and may differ from central vessels in their response to the diabetic milieu. We hypothesise that diabetes has a greater impact on peripheral retinal vessels vs central vessels. Methods: Retinal photographs from adolescents (n = 736; age 12–20 years) with type 1 diabetes were graded (Singapore I Vessel Assessment) with vessel calibres measured in the ‘central zone’ as central retinal arteriolar and venular equivalents (CRAE and CRVE, respectively) and the ‘extended zone’ as mean..