Retinopathy and macro-albuminuria in type 2 diabetic patients.
OBJECTIVE
To identify the correlation between the development of retinopathy and macro-albuminuria and the other risk factors for the retinopathy in type 2 diabetic patients.


METHODS
This is a cross-sectional study. The authors studied 201 patients suffering from diabetes type 2. Fundoscopy was performed by ophthalmologists. Macro-albuminuria was assessed by urine strip (URICAN). Duration of diabetes, hypertension, and history of peripheral neuropathy were also evaluated.


RESULTS
The over all prevalence of retinopathy was 26.4% (53 patients). The diabetic retinopathy had significant correlation with the history of peripheral neuropathy (p = 0.01). There was no significant correlation between high blood pressure and retinopathy (p = 0.32). The prevalence of macro-albuminuria was 14.43% (30 patients). Diabetic retinopathy and macro-albuminuria were strongly correlated (p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Macro-albuminuria is associated with diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetic patients and is a reliable marker for the retinopathy.
Phoksunthorn
Thanon
T
Department of Internal Medicine, Mettapracharak Hospital, Raikhing, Samphran, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.
Thatsnarong
Duangdao
D
D000418:Albumins / Q000032:analysis; D000419:Albuminuria / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors
D000418:Albumins