Abstract

LICEA PUIG, Manuel E.; MACIQUEZ RODRIGUEZ, Elvira  and  CRUZ HERNANDEZ, Jeddú. Risk factors associated with the appearance of diabetic retinopathy. Rev Cubana Endocrinol [online]. 2007, vol.18, n.3. ISSN 1561-2953.

The appearance of diabetic retinopathy (DR) is associated with the presence of several risk factors determining their emergence and the increase of its severity. The aim of this paper was to describe the factors that may influence on the appearance and progression of DR, which will be very important to take preventive and intervention measures to reduce the morbidity of this complication.  Persons with type 1 DM have severe ocular complications more frequently (proliferative DR). In fact, 5 years after the beginning of type 1 diabetes mellitus, 23 % of these diabetics have DR. On the contrary, in persons with type 2 DM, it may be observed in 30 % of the patients before the 5 years of evolution, and it may also be confirmed at the time of the clinical diagnosis. Diverse factors have been associated with the appearance of DR. The age on the diagnosis, the time of evolution of DM, a deficient metabolic control, an adverse lipid profile, the presence of microalbuminuria or renal disease, arterial hypertension, sex, smoking habit, puberty, pregnancy and the genetic factors, among others, are considered important.

Keywords : Diabetes mellitus; diabetic retinopathy; risk factors; morbidity; prevention; microangiopathy.