Impact of Diabetic Retinopathy on Vulnerability of Atherosclerosis in Type 1 Diabetes: the Role of Lipid Ratios as a Metabolic Biomarker

Abstract

This study aims to examine the correlation between diabetic retinopathy (DR) and early atherosclerotic changes in type 1 diabetics. We conducted a cross-sectional and observational study of 293 type 1 diabetic patients who attended the Diabetes Center from January 2015 to December 2019 in Sidi-bel-Abbès province, northwest Algeria. The patients were segregated into the following groups: patients with DR and patients without DR. Our study revealed a definite preponderance of males (52.60%). The mean age was 28.26±10.52 years, whereas the diabetes duration was 10.15±9.06 years. The overall prevalence of DR was 32.1%. TC/HDL ratio was a strong indicator for atherosclerotic disease (sensitivity of 66.0%, a specificity of 64.8%, and diagnostic accuracy of 0.653). Our results reported that the 4 th quartiles ]; p=<0.02) of TC/HDL ratio was markedly greater in DR patients. Likewise, the fourth quartile of TG/HDL ratio was significantly greater in DR patients ]; p=0.03). In contrast to females who developed DR, lipid ratios and lipid profiles were significantly greater in male patients. Patients who develop DR are characterized by dyslipidemia and a higher risk of atherosclerotic disease. Thus, early detection of DR accompanied by a more careful cardiovascular assessment in these patients is crucial to prevent premature cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.