[A study of the relationship between diabetic neuropathy and diabetic retinopathy]

To evaluate the relationship between diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy, we examined autonomic nervous function, postural hypotension, nerve conduction velocity and coefficient of variation of R-R intervals. Forty-five non-insulin dependent diabetic cases were classified as no diabetic retinopathy (group A), simple diabetic retinopathy (group B) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (group C). These groups did not differ in age or gender. The rate of postural hypotension (depression of systolic blood pressure over 30 mmHg) was 0% in group A, 7% in group Bs and 53% in group C. Nerve conduction velocity in both motor and sensory nerve was delayed over 20% in 0% of group A, 8% of group B, and 33% of group C. In CVR-R, 11% of group A and 7% of group B were decreased, and 44% (during rest) and 33% (during deep breathing) of group C was decreased. Between groups A and B there was no statistical difference. But group C had statistically significant difference from other groups, particularly in postural hypotension. Peripheral neuropathy might be closely related to diabetic retinopathy.