The association between ophthalmic, renal complications and plasma homocysteine concentration in type 2 diabetes patients

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between plasma Hcy concentration and some ophthalmic and renal complications in patients with T2DM. Subjects and methods: 395 patients with type 2 diabetes treated as inpatients at the National Hospital of Endocrinology who were clinically examined for their organs and performed basic tests to diagnose and assess their disease status. An ophthalmologist examined to determine cataracts, diabetic retinopathy (DR), and macular edema. Test for albuminuria, estimate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and quantify plasma Hcy in µmol/L. Results: The incidence of DR was encountered 45.8%; macular edema encountered 9.4%; cataract 73.4%; positive albuminuria 37.0%; eGFR decreased < 60 mL/min: 22.5%. The concentration of Hcy increased significantly in patients with albuminuria, and eGFR < 60 mL/min. The rate of increase of Hcy in the group of patients with DR and cataracts was higher than in the group of patients without DR and cataracts. Conclusion: Ophthalmic and renal complications are common in patients with type 2 diabetes, especially patients with DR, positive albuminuria, and decreased glomerular filtration rate. In patients with type 2 diabetes, an increase in plasma Hcy levels is significantly associated with some ophthalmic and renal complications. * Keywords: Type 2 diabetes mellitus; Diabetic retinopathy; Cataracts; Macular edema; Plasma Hcy levels; Albuminuria.