RETINAL FLUORESCEIN ANGIOGRAPHY AND HEMOGLOBIN AIC IN BORDERLINE DIABETES

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 5  (2) , 97-101
Abstract
Fluorescein angiography of the retina and measurements of Hb A1c were carried out in subjects [human] with slightly abnormal 2 h glucose tolerance and controls with normal glucose tolerance. Fluorescent dots were present in 50% of the series with reduced glucose tolerance. Leakage from retinal vessels was noted in 20%. In the control group fluorescent dots were present in 25% and none showed leakage. In neither series did any subject display ophthalmoscopically visible signs of diabetic retinopathy. In subjects with abnormal glucose tolerance the mean concentration of Hb A1c was 5.88% .+-. 1.15 (SD) and in the control group 5.11% .+-. 0.85 (SD) (P < 0.05). No correlation was determined between number of fluorescent dots, Hb A1c and age in the group with abnormal glucose tolerance, but a relationship was noticed between a hereditary disposition to diabetes mellitus and presence of fluorescent dots. Smoking appeared not to have any influence. Incipient retinal microvascular changes and evidence of an early breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier may be present in subjects before diabetes becomes manifest.