Assessment for the Correlation Between Diabetic Retinopathy and Metabolic Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Diseases

Background:

• Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a significant complication of diabetes mellitus (DM).
• Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
• The relationship between MetS and DR requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the correlation between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM).
• To assess the impact of MetS and its components on the incidence of DR and vision-related functional burden.

Main Methods:

• Logistic regression analysis was employed to evaluate the effects of MetS and its indicators on DR and vision-related functional burden.
• Logistic generalized additive models (GAM) with spline smoothing functions were used to analyze the associations.
• Effective degree of freedom (EDF) was utilized to determine linear (EDF=1) versus complex (EDF>1) relationships.

Main Results:

• Patients with DR reported higher difficulties with visual tasks compared to those without DR (19.40% vs 12.10%).
• Elevated fasting glucose (Glu) and blood pressure (BP) were associated with vision-related functional burden.
• Increased Glu and systolic blood pressure (SBP) significantly correlated with a higher risk of DR development.
• GAM analysis revealed a linear effect of Glu on DR and a nonlinear correlation between SBP and DR.

Conclusions:

• Both fasting glucose and blood pressure are significantly associated with the occurrence of DR and vision-related functional burden in DM patients.
• Controlling glucose and blood pressure levels is crucial for potentially reducing the risk of DR and vision loss.