A study on the association between total vitamin d levels and diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetic mellitus

Abstract

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus (D.M.) is a significant public health problem where about more than 300 million people are affected, with severe morbidity and mortality. Its long-term complications can decrease the quality of life of patients. Ocular manifestations of diabetes include anterior ischaemic neuropathy, glaucoma, cataract, retinal vascular occlusions, and retinopathy/ maculopathy. Vitamin D plays a role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy through its effects on the immune system, angiogenesis and anti-inflammatory effects. As the prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus is high in our area, this study is undertaken to estimate the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in Type 2 Diabetic Mellitus patients with diabetic retinopathy and correlate the Total Vitamin D levels with retinopathy changes.