Association of diabetic retinopathy and renal function in patients with Types 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

This study revealed that many patients with Type 2 diabetes and renal abnormalities (proteinuria and/or renal insufficiency) showed, in contrast to Type 1 diabetics, no signs of RP. Our study was, however, limited by the lack of renal biopsies. Although urinary sediment analysis was normal in these patients, other causes for renal insufficiency (e.g. vascular nephropathy), especially in Type 2 diabetics, cannot be excluded. Nevertheless, we believe that absence of RP in patients with Type 2 diabetes does not imply that renal abnormalities including diabetic nephropathy, are also absent. It is recommended that these patients undergo renal biopsy.