Relationship between coronary artery disease and retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Objective To examine risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) and retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and assess the relationship between CAD and retinopathy. Methods A total of 1,003 outpatients with type 2 DM (578 men and 425 women) were classified into two groups according to the presence (based on ischemic findings on a resting electrocardiogram or a history of angina or myocardial infarction) or absence of CAD and four retinopathy stages based on the International Clinical Classification of Diabetic Retinopathy. Results Stepwise multiple regression analyses showed that independent risk factors for CAD were age, the triglyceride (TG) level and smoking, while those for retinopathy included age, age of DM diagnosis, the HbA1c level and a female gender. The prevalence of CAD increased in association with the progression of retinopathy (p<0.01). Conclusion Since it is difficult to distinguish macrovascular and microvascular diseases, diabetic vascular disorders require comprehensive approaches to assessment and treatment. © 2013 The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine.