OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the relationship of diabetic retinopathy with ankle/brachial (ABI) scores and the presence of microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetic patients.
METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study of type 2 diabetic patients, aged 40-85 years, were recruited from the outpatient department of a tertiary hospital. Ankle/brachial index scores and the presence of microalbuminuria were determined. The presence and stage of diabetic retinopathy were assessed through contact lens biomicroscopy.
RESULTS: There were 49 patients who participated in the study. Significant associations between severe diabeticretinopathy and abnormal ABI scores (p = 0.01) and the presence of microalbuminuria (p=0.01) were found.
CONCLUSION: Patients with severe diabetic retinopathy were more likely to have abnormal ankle/brachial index scores and microalbuminuria. Thus, those presenting with severe diabetic retinopathy were not only at risk of losing their sight but also at higher risk of developing life-threatening systemic vascular and renal complications of diabetes.