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Early visual cortical structural changes in diabetic patients without diabetic retinopathy
Fábio S Ferreira1, João M S Pereira1,2, Aldina Reis1
1Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (IBILI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga Santa Comba, Celas, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal.
Summary
Type 2 diabetes patients without retinopathy show reduced gray matter in the visual cortex. This suggests early visual processing areas may be affected before retinal damage occurs in diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes is associated with cortical morphometry changes.
- The impact on the visual cortex, especially before retinopathy, is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate visual cortical changes in type 2 diabetes patients without retinopathy.
- To assess if the visual cortex is affected prior to retinal damage.
Main Methods:
- T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used.
- Voxel-based morphometry compared gray matter in the occipital cortex.
- 24 type 2 diabetes patients (no retinopathy) and 27 controls were studied.
Main Results:
- Reduced gray matter volume was observed in the occipital lobe of diabetic patients.
- This reduction was significant compared to control subjects.
Conclusions:
- Diabetic patients without retinopathy exhibit reduced occipital cortex gray matter.
- Early visual processing regions may be impacted in diabetes before retinopathy develops.
