Early nephropathy predicts vision-threatening retinal disease in patients with type I diabetes mellitus

Abstract

In type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus, nephropathy may be identified in its early stages by the development of persistent microalbuminuria. This longitudinal study sought to examine the development of vision-threatening retinal disease (VTRD) (proliferative retinopathy and clinically significant macular edema) in such patients with early and evolving diabetic kidney disease. Eighty patients with type I diabetes and at least 8 yr of longitudinal data were identified. Glycated hemoglobin and albumin excretion rate (AER) were measured every 3 mo. Ophthalmologic examination was performed at least yearly. Thirteen patients were identified as having evolving nephropathy by a progressive ..