The prevention of diabetic retinopathy

Strict regulation of blood sugar reduces the severity of vascular complications including the retinopathy suffered by diabetic patients. The artificial pancreas, insulin pump, and careful insulin administration have been compared with the finding that intensified conventional control is efficacious. Multiple injections of regular and long-acting insulin coordinate physiologically with the serum glucose, minimize hyperglycemia and lessen diabetic retinopathy. This paper will review the facts and support the contention that tight control is worthwhile in patients with long life expectancy. The role of the ophthalmologist should be reinforcement of the principles of good control.