Eye Problems and Ethnicity

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Higher prevalence of retinopathy in diabetic patients of South Asian ethnicity compared with white Europeans in the community, by Neil T. Raymond and colleagues. Diabetes Care 32:410–415, 2009

What is the problem and what is known about it so far?

People with diabetes are more likely to get eye problems than people without diabetes. "Diabetic retinopathy" is a general term for diabetes-related eye problems that involve the nerve layer at the back of the eye. Left untreated, diabetes-related eye problems can lead to serious vision problems and even blindness. Early treatment is key. Because these eye problems can develop without symptoms, people with diabetes should have regular eye exams. In the U.K., blindness is on the rise, and diabetes-related eye problems are the main cause. People of South Asian backgrounds are more likely to have vision problems, but it is not clear whether this is because of diabetes-related eye problems.

Why did the researchers do this particular study?

The researchers wanted to find out whether diabetes-related eye problems are more common in South Asian than in white European residents of the U.K.

Who was studied?

The study included over 1,000 patients with type 2 diabetes from 10 medical practices in England. Some patients were South Asian and some were white Europeans.

How was the study done?

Researchers took photographs of patients' retinas and checked for diabetes-related eye problems. They also gathered information about the patients' risk factors for eye problems, including their age, how long they had had diabetes, how their diabetes was treated, and their blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose control.

What did the researchers find?

South Asian patients had higher blood pressure, blood fat (cholesterol), and A1C levels, were younger, had developed diabetes at earlier ages, and had had diabetes for shorter periods of time than white European patients. They were more likely to get eye problems than their white European peers, and their risk was linked to their blood glucose and blood pressure levels.  

What were the limitations of the study?

The study involved patients from inner city practices, so the results may not fully apply to patients in other settings.

What are the implications of the study?

People with South Asian backgrounds appear to develop diabetes earlier and get treatable related conditions more often. They should be screened early for diabetes and should take extra care to have yearly eye exams and get treatment to control their blood glucose and blood pressure to prevent vision loss.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Diabetes-related eye problems

Eye exams

ADA guide to diabetes complications