Correlation between diabetic retinopathy and glycaemic variability, assessed with continuous glucose monitoring in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus—a review

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a serious health issue with an increasing incidence worldwide. Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause for blindness and has a considerable impact on the patient and on society. The exact pathological mechanism by which diabetes causes diabetic retinopathy still remains unclear, but the role of hyperglycaemia seems to be the most influential factor. In recent studies glycaemic variability has been suggested to be an additional risk factor for the development of diabetic retinopathy, irrespective of glycated haemoglobin. With the expanding availability of continuous glucose monitoring, the glycaemic status has become more well-known and correlations between glycaemic variability and chronic microvascular complications of diabetes can be investigated. Aim: The purpose of this paper is to review and summarize the current knowledge about the correlation between diabetic retinopathy and glycaemic variability assessed with continuous glucose monitoring in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: Literature in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus has been studied and analysed. Results: There is growing evidence that glycaemic variability is highly associated with microvascular complications. There are only several studies on the use of continuous glucose monitoring to assess glucose variability and its association with diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus and the results are conflicting. Conclusion: Continuous glucose monitors are emerging tools in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its chronic complications, as they offer detailed overview and better understanding of the glycaemic control and more research is needed on their use in type 2 diabetes mellitus.