Retinopathy and visual impairment in diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance and normal glucose tolerance: the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (the HUNT study).
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to describe the prevalence of visual impairment and retinopathy and to investigate risk factors for retinopathy in persons with diabetes, screen-detected diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance and normal glucose tolerance in a subpopulation of the HUNT study.


METHODS
We used a sample (n = 163) from a population-based screening survey of hyperglycaemia, undertaken in 2004-2005 in Verdal, Norway. Baseline information was accessible through the second Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT2), 1995-97. Data collection was made in 2005 and included patient history, refraction, visual acuity, cataract assessment and single-field, nonmydriatic retinal photography. Retinal photographs were graded independently by two graders blinded to patient information. Data were analysed with standard statistical methods, and p < 0.05 was considered significant.


RESULTS
In all, 126 (77%) persons participated, 55% were women. The mean (SD) age was 59 (± 14) years. Four (3%) had correctable visual impairment, and none were visually impaired. Retinal photographs were gradable for both eyes in 109 (87%) participants. The prevalence of retinopathy was 11% in persons with known diabetes, 4% in persons with screen-detected diabetes, 3% in persons with impaired glucose tolerance and 10% in persons with normal glucose tolerance. Retinopathy was not associated with known history of diabetes or current glycaemic status. Nonfasting plasma glucose (in 1995-97) was an independent risk factor for retinopathy (in 2005), OR (95% CI) 1.5 (1.01, 2.13), p = 0.046.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in persons with diabetes in this study was low. Appropriate optical correction and regular eye examination can prevent unnecessary visual impairment in both persons with and without diabetes.
Sundling
Vibeke
V
Department of Optometry and Visual Science, Buskerud University College, Kongsberg, Norway. vibeke.sundling@hibu.no
Platou
Carl G P
CG
Jansson
Ragnhild Wivestad
RW
Bertelsen
Geir
G
Wøllo
Erik
E
Gulbrandsen
Pål
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D018149:Glucose Intolerance / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005951:Glucose Tolerance Test; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012029:Refraction, Ocular / Q000502:physiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology; D019987:Persons with Visual Disabilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult
D001786:Blood Glucose