Related Experiment Videos
The pupillary light reflex in borderline diabetics
N Kuroda1, H Taniguchi, S Baba
1Second Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University School of Medicine, Japan.
The Journal of International Medical Research
|May 1, 1989
Summary
Borderline diabetics show signs of autonomic neuropathy, indicated by abnormal pupillary light reflex responses. These changes suggest nerve damage occurs before overt non-insulin-dependent diabetes develops.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Diabetology
- Neurology
Background:
- Autonomic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes.
- Pupillary light reflex abnormalities can indicate autonomic dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare pupillary reflexes in borderline diabetics, overt non-insulin-dependent diabetics, and healthy controls.
- To investigate early signs of autonomic neuropathy in pre-diabetic individuals.
Main Methods:
- Computerized infrared videopupilography with a photic stimulator.
- Comparison of pupillary parameters (area, diameter, constriction, dilation) in male participants aged 41-59.
Main Results:
- Overt diabetics exhibited smaller pupillary size and reduced constriction/dilation velocities compared to controls.
- Borderline diabetics showed more frequent abnormalities in light reflex amplitude and constriction velocity than controls.
- Abnormalities in pupillary diameter, dilation velocity, and constriction acceleration were higher in overt diabetics than borderline diabetics.
Conclusions:
- Borderline diabetics demonstrate autonomic neuropathy prior to overt non-insulin-dependent diabetes.
- Pupillary light reflex examination is a valuable tool for detecting early diabetic autonomic neuropathy.