High Risk of Early Cataracts in Young Type 1 Diabetes Group: A Nationwide Cohort Study

Abstract

Background. Chronic hyperglycemia in type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients results in ocular problems over time, but only a few studies emphasized on cataracts. Aim. To evaluate the epidemiology of cataracts in the T1D population. Method. A two-part study was conducted using data from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. Information from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database (LHID) was served as a template of the general population. In the first part, a total of 3,622 T1D cases registered between 1998 and 2007 were enrolled and compared with a matched group from the LHID. For identifying risk factors of cataracts in the T1D population in the second part, a total of 9032 T1D cases registered between 1998 and 2013 were included. Result. Compared to the LHID, the hazard ratio (HR) of cataracts in the T1D group was 5.81 (95% CI 4.60–7.33), and the HR was higher in females (6.29, 95% CI 4.63–8.55). The peak incidence of cataracts occurred between age 20 and 29 in the T1D group, while in the LHID, it was after 60. The overall incidence of cataracts in the T1D group was 9.1%. In T1D patients with cataracts, they were found with higher rates of associated diabetic complications. Conclusion. Compared to the nondiabetic population, cataracts seemed more rampant and premature in T1D patients, especially those of female gender. Early ophthalmologic examination should be considered in T1D patients.

Resident immune cells of the avascular lens: Mediators of the injury and fibrotic response of the lens

“…Our finding that lens resident immune cells serve as myofibroblast progenitors strongly suggests that these cells are mediators of PCO. In addition, autoimmune pathogenesis has long been considered a factor in age‐related cataracts, as well as in the high incidence of cataracts in autoimmune diseases such as diabetes and uveitis 70‐75 . Our discovery of resident immune cells in the lens would be consistent with a role in cataractogenesis.…”

“…In addition, autoimmune pathogenesis has long been considered a factor in age-related cataracts, as well as in the high incidence of cataracts in autoimmune diseases such as diabetes and uveitis. 70 – 75 Our discovery of resident immune cells in the lens would be consistent with a role in cataractogenesis. Resident immune cells provide a potential new therapeutic target to consider for both PCO and cataract.…”

Maternal Age, the Disparity across Regions and Their Correlation to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in Taiwan: A Nationwide Cohort Study

“…This system has the advantage of good accessibility and consists of a total population of over 99%. The National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD), derived from NHI, can be analyzed for records of public health research [ 22 , 23 , 24 ]. The death registration database (which was initiated in 1997) was accessed from the NHIRD, and the age of death, cause of death (using the definition from the International Classification of Diseases [ICD]), and place of death were recorded [ 25 ].…”

Cataract in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Insights from the German/Austrian DPV registry

“…4 Several studies reported higher incidence rates for females. [4][5][6] The risk of cataract development seems to be higher in individuals with diabetes type 2 than in individuals with diabetes type 1. 7 There are data on prevalence and risk factors for retinopathy [8][9][10] in children and adolescents, but there are only scarce data about cataract formation.…”

“…In younger age groups (<55 years) the incidence rates differ most between individuals with and without diabetes, showing higher incidence rates for individuals with diabetes 4 . Several studies reported higher incidence rates for females 4–6 . The risk of cataract development seems to be higher in individuals with diabetes type 2 than in individuals with diabetes type 1 7 …”