Cross-sectional study assesses the association of diabetic retinopathy and kidney disease in adults with type 2 diabetes, highlighting independent progression implications.
Introduction and Objective: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) are common microvascular complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and are often presumed to co-occur. We assessed the association between DR and DKD and estimated the prevalence of retino-renal dissociation in adults with T2DM. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 150 adults (≥18 years) with T2DM. DR was evaluated by dilated fundoscopic examination. DKD was defined as urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/g and/or estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m². Associations were analyzed using the chi-square test (p<0.05). Results: Among 150 patients, DR was present in 44 (29.3%) and DKD in 83 (55.3%). Nephropathy was observed in 24 patients with DR and 59 without DR. No significant association was found between DR and DKD (χ²≈0.02, p≈0.88), indicating retino-renal dissociation. Conclusion: DR and DKD may progress independently in T2DM, highlighting the need for independent screening and monitoring of both complications. Disclosure V.D. Bhatt: None. S. Rohatgi: None. H.N. Prajapati: None. C.N. Hirani: None. D. Bhatt: None.
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