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Published on: January 12, 2024
The Role of Systemic Risk Factors in Diabetic Retinopathy
Elizabeth Atchison1, Andrew Barkmeier1
1Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55902 USA.
Abstract:
Diabetic retinopathy is an increasingly common medical issue in the United States. The risk of developing the disease or having the disease progress is caused by many systemic health factors. This article examines the existing literature on the links between glycemic control, arterial hypertension, high cholesterol and hyperlipidemia, obesity, inflammatory markers, sleep-disordered breathing, and exercise with risk of diabetic retinopathy development and prevention. The literature shows benefit for good glycemic and blood pressure control. The effects of cholesterol, and lipid control, inflammatory markers, sleep-disordered breathing, obesity, and exercise are less well established.
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