RETINAL ASSESSMENT OF DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
ASSOCIATED WITH BLOOD SUGAR LEVEL AND
ONSET OF DISEASE

John D. Boldan
Department of Biology and Chemistry
Lake Superior State University
Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
April 29, 1993

ABSTRACT
	A comprehensive eye health examination was completed on 20 patients during the
summer of 1992 at the office of Richard S. Kattouf O.D. in Warren, Ohio. Medical
histories, blood sugar levels, and retinal photographs were obtained from each patient.
Glycemic levels were measured in mg/dL using an Ames Glucometer Model 3 . The
normal range for this model was 75-1 75 mg/dL. Retinal photography was performed
using a Polaroid Canon C1(245 NMA. Retinal evaluation and diagnosis was completed
by Dr. Kattouf the association between onset of disease, blood sugar level, and
retinopathy was observed. A highly significant association (x2-19.76, p<.1%, d.f =4)
between onset of disease and retinopathy was observed, with 1 00% of diabetics of I 0-year
duration having some form of retinopathy. The association observed between blood sugar
level and retinopathy was also highly significant (x2=16.53, p<. 1%, d.f-2). All patients
with high blood sugar levels had some degree of retinopathy. This study suggests that
there are certain risk factors such as duration ofthe disease and blood sugar level that are
predisposing to the clinical disease process of diabetic retinopathy. Whether retinopathy is
caused by the direct association ofthese factors is still unknown.


Selected References

Barresi, B.J. 1984. Ocular Assessment. Butterworth Publishers, Stoneham, MA pp.428-
	429.

Pang, M.P. 1992. Screening for Diabetic Retinopathy in the Spotlight. Eye care Digest
10.11, Apr. 92, pp.41-44.

Pang, M.P. 1992. Prevention and Treatment ofComplications ofDiabetes Mellitus.
Conneticut Optometric Society (State Journal) 7:2, Apr. 92, Clinic Update pp.1-2.

Pang, M.P. 1988. Which Diabetics Develop Retinopathy? Eye Care Digest 6. 1 1, Apr.
88, pp.43-44.

Singer, D.E. I 992. Screening for Diabetic Retinopathy: A Review. ACP Journal
Club 117:1, SupJul./Aug. 92,p.20.