Vitamin A Deficiency & the Risk of Diabetic Retinopathy, Unravelling the Link!
Vitamin A deficiency has been observed to be associated with diabetic retinopathy. However, only a limited number of studies have explored this link in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between serum vitamin A levels and diabetic retinopathy in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Between the years 2019 and 2024, data were retrospectively collected from a total of 470 healthy individuals and 1,020 individuals with type 2 diabetes. Among those with diabetes, 500 had no signs of diabetic retinopathy, while 520 were diagnosed with the condition.
Participants were required to be over the age of 30 and to have undergone retinal examinations to determine the severity of diabetic retinopathy, as well as blood tests to measure serum vitamin A levels. Findings revealed that a substantial portion of participants had low levels of vitamin A in their blood.
Individuals with diabetic retinopathy had significantly lower vitamin A levels compared to healthy participants. After accounting for various influencing factors, the study found that individuals with diabetic retinopathy were more likely to have vitamin A deficiency. Furthermore, the likelihood of vitamin A deficiency increased in relation to the severity of diabetic retinopathy. When the participants were further divided according to the severity of their diabetic retinopathy, it became evident that lower levels of vitamin A were associated with more advanced stages of the disease.
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.