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Inter-Relations between Dietary Patterns and Glycemic Control-Related Biomarkers on Risk of Retinopathy in Type 2
Yu-Ju Wu1,2, Chih-Cheng Hsu3,4,5,6, Shang-Jyh Hwang7,8
1Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan.
Poor glycemic control and certain dietary patterns significantly increase diabetic retinopathy risk in type 2 diabetes patients. Diets high in animal protein/processed foods and low in vegetables, combined with elevated Hemoglobin A1c, exacerbate this risk.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Ophthalmology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major cause of vision loss in type 2 diabetes.
- Poor glycemic control and oxidative stress are known risk factors for DR progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between dietary patterns, glycemic control biomarkers, and retinopathy risk in type 2 diabetes patients.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 136 DR patients and 466 non-DR patients.
- Dietary patterns identified via factor analysis of food frequency questionnaire data.
- Elevated Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c ≥8.5%) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were assessed.
Main Results:
- Elevated HbA1c significantly correlated with increased DR risk (OR: 2.12).
- High animal protein/processed food or low vegetable intake patterns amplified the association between elevated HbA1c and DR risk.
- Higher MDA levels correlated with increased DR risk in subjects with high animal protein intake.
Conclusions:
- Poor glycemic control is a significant risk factor for DR in type 2 diabetes.
- Dietary patterns, particularly high animal protein/processed food intake and low vegetable intake, may exacerbate DR risk in conjunction with poor glycemic control.
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