Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) does not prevent progression of proliferative and preproliferative retinopathy.

Abstract

Twelve patients with either proliferative or preproliferative diabetic retinopathy were managed by continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) for periods of from 4 to 19 months. Despite the excellent control of blood sugar achieved by this technique out of the 24 eyes 20 deteriorated, with initiation of neovascularisation in 12 eyes and worsening of new vessels in 8 eyes. Thus photocoagulation remains the treatment of choice for such cases.