Title:Diabetic Retinopathy and Atherosclerosis: is there a Link?
Volume: 9
Issue: 2
Author(s): Thomas Phillip Ellis, Ruhul Hassan Choudhury, Kirti Kaul, Mohit Chopra, Eva Maria Kohner, Joanna Mary Tarr and Rakesh Chibber
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Diabetes, Diabetic retinopathy, Diabetes accelerated cardiovascular diseases, Common pathological pathways,
Therapeutics, CVD, Atherosclerosis, pathogenic mechanisms, holistic view, diabetes epidemic.
Abstract: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness amongst the working-age population, and diabetes
accelerated cardiovascular disease (CVD) the commonest cause of death in diabetic patients. Although, there is evidence
suggesting a close association between DR and CVD, particularly in patients with Type 2 diabetes, the pathophysiology
underlying the link is unclear. Here we review common risk factors and pathogenic mechanisms linking DR and CVD,
and aim to highlight the need for a more holistic view of the management of diabetes and its complications. The understanding
of the link between the two complications could eventually lead to refined management strategies and improved
patient outcomes in the expanding diabetes epidemic.