Effect of an insulin-induced decrease in blood glucose on the human diabetic retinal circulation.
The effect of an insulin-induced decrease in blood glucose on the retinal blood flow (Q) was studied in 12 type II diabetics, using bidirectional laser Doppler velocimetry (BLDV) and monochromatic fundus photography. Q was first measured during hyperglycemia and then during normoglycemia which was achieved within approximately 3 hours by intravenous insulin administration. At normoglycemia, Q was 15% lower than at hyperglycemia (P less than 0.001). The decrease in Q was larger in patients with shorter disease duration. The authors also determined the regulatory change in Q during 100% oxygen breathing. Although this response remained subnormal, it was improved significantly in normoglycemia (P less than 0.01), particularly in those patients whose blood glucose level was decreased at a slower rate, suggesting that a gradual decrease in blood glucose may be beneficial.
Grunwald
J E
JE
Scheie Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104.
Riva
C E
CE
Martin
D B
DB
Quint
A R
AR
Epstein
P A
PA
D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000378:metabolism; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000503:physiopathology; D007328:Insulin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D012160:Retina / Q000098:blood supply*
D001786:Blood Glucose; D007328:Insulin