[Effect of puberty on the development of diabetic microangiopathy]

Fluorescein angiography was used to follow the development of retinal microangiopathy at the time of puberty in 34 children with type I diabetes. When the results were compared with those for the control children who had suffered from the disease for a similar length of time, it was concluded that (in contrast with certain literature data) the process of sexual maturation does not essentially influence the development of retinal microangiopathy if the diabetes is maintained under good control for a long-lasting period. Appreciable roles in the rapid progression that is frequently observed in early adulthood are attributed to the sudden changes in the previously systematic living conditions (school, family, etc.).