Associations of renal function with diabetic retinopathy and visual impairment in type 2 diabetes: A multicenter nationwide cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) separately has been noted as a major public health problem worldwide as well. Currently, many studies have demonstrated an association between diabetic nephropathy and DR in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients, but this association is less strong in T2DM. The evidence for an association between renal function and DR and visual impairment among T2DM patients is limited, particularly in the Asian population. AIM: To assess the association between glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and DR, severe DR, and severe visual impairment among T2DM patients in Thailand. METHODS: . The association between GFR and DR, severe DR, and severe visual impairment were assessed using multivariate logistic regression. CONCLUSION: Decreased GFR was independently associated with increased DR, severe DR, and severe visual impairment. GFR should be monitored in diabetic patients for DR awareness and prevention.