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Statins associated with lower risk of retinopathy in patients with diabetes
Prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was lower in a population of patients with type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia who were on statin therapy than in those who were not, according to a study.
The analysis identified patients for inclusion using data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database dated between Jan. 1, 1998, and Dec. 1, 2013. Of the 37,894 patients identified, 18,947 were allocated to the statin group and 18,947 to the non-statin group. Outcomes were diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy as well as treatments rendered for vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetic retinopathy was diagnosed in fewer patients in the statin group than the non-statin group: 2,004 patients (10.6%) vs. 2,269 (12%). As well, the need for fewer surgical interventions for retinopathy and the number of surgical interventions were significantly less in the statin vs. non-statin group.
“In our study, lower adherence to statins was associated with an increased risk of diabetic retinopathy,” the study authors said. The study further found that patients in the statin group “experienced additional benefits regarding the prevention of major adverse cardiovascular events, de novo hemodialysis, and the development of diabetic neuropathy and diabetic foot ulcers.”
Disclosures: The authors reported no relevant financial disclosures.