Study on the Relationship between Serum Lipid Profile and Diabetic Retinopathy

Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of blindness worldwide, particularly in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM). The progression of DR is influenced by various factors, including hyperglycemia, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. This study aims to determine the relationship between serum lipid profile and the presence and severity of diabetic retinopathy in diabetic patients. A total of 120 participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were included, 60 of whom had diabetic retinopathy and 60 without retinopathy, matched for age and gender. Serum lipid parameters including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were measured. The severity of DR was graded according to the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) scale. The study found that patients with DR had significantly higher levels of TC, TG, and LDL, and lower levels of HDL compared to those without DR. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between the levels of LDL and the severity of diabetic retinopathy. The findings suggest that dyslipidemia, especially increased LDL and reduced HDL, may be associated with an increased risk of diabetic retinopathy and its progression. This emphasizes the importance of managing lipid levels in diabetic patients to prevent or slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy.

Keywords: Diabetic retinopathy, lipid profile, diabetes mellitus, triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL, HDL.