Hormonal and biochemical studies in diabetic retinopathy

ABSTRACT

Twenty type I [insulin-dependent] diabetic patients suffering from different grades of diabetic retinopathy were included in the study. The study aimed at investigating glycemic control and different hormones suspected to be sharing in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Bad glycemic control was found in almost all patients with diabetic retinopathy. Significant elevation of serum growth hormone, glucagon and A.C.T.H. was found in diabetic retinopathy, while serum prolactin level was within normal. Residual beta cell function was found in 64% of patients with BDR [background diabetic retinopathy], while patients with PPDR [preproliferative diabetic retinopathy] and PDR [proliferative diabetic retinopathy] had no residual beta cell function. Higher grades of diabetic retinopathy were associated with bad glycemic control, higher levels of serum growth hormone and glucagon and absent residual beta cell function