Effect of metabolic control on ocular complications of type 1 [insulin- dependent] diabetes mellitus

In a study of 152 insulin dependent diabetic patients in whom the degree of metabolic control was judged by the level of glycosylated hemoglobin [HbAIc], we found ocular complications in 28 cases [18%]. These ocular complications were: diabetic retinopathy [17.1%], glaucoma [3.3%], rubeosis irides [2%], cataract [1.3%], and ocular palsy [0.6%]. We found that cases who were more liable to develop ocular complications were male patients, those with a positive family history, long postpubertal duration, retarded growth, hyperlipemia, nephropathy, and poor metabolic control as monitored by the level of HbAlc