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Association between diabetic retinopathy and hemoglobin level.
Adele Bahar1, Zahra Kashi, Ahmad Ahmadzadeh Amiri
1Diabetes Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
Caspian Journal of Internal Medicine
|December 3, 2013
Summary
Diabetic patients with retinopathy have lower hemoglobin levels and more anemia. Periodic hemoglobin evaluation is recommended for all diabetic individuals to monitor for diabetic retinopathy risk.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a complication of diabetes.
- Anemia is a potential risk factor for DR in patients with kidney disease.
- The link between anemia and DR in patients with normal kidney function requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between blood hemoglobin levels and diabetic retinopathy.
- To compare hemoglobin levels in diabetic patients with and without retinopathy.
Main Methods:
- Retinal examinations were performed on 1100 diabetic patients between 2009 and 2011.
- 159 patients diagnosed with DR were compared to 318 diabetic controls with normal retinas.
- Hemoglobin, HbA1C, serum iron, ferritin, and iron binding capacity were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Patients with DR had a lower mean hemoglobin level (12.15±1.50 g/dl) compared to controls (12.73±1.38 g/dl) (p<0.001).
- Anemia prevalence was significantly higher in the DR group (45.9%) versus the control group (26.1%) (p<0.001).
- No significant difference in ferritin levels was observed between groups (p=0.8).
Conclusions:
- Diabetic patients with retinopathy exhibit lower hemoglobin levels and a higher incidence of anemia.
- Hemoglobin level monitoring is suggested for diabetic patients to assess DR risk.
- Anemia may be an independent risk factor for DR even in patients with normal renal function.
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