Risk Factors of Peripheral Occlusive Arterial Disease in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy Due to Type 2 Diabetes

The study analyzed 63 patients with diabetic retinopathy to identify risk factors for peripheral occlusive arterial disease (POAD). It found that patients with POAD had a significantly longer duration of diabetes (32.67 vs. 9.71 years), were more often smokers, had higher rates of ischemic heart disease, used statins more frequently, and exhibited more symptoms like claudication, hair loss, thinned atrophic foot skin, and foot ulcers. Additionally, these patients had significantly higher HbA1c values and poorer glycemic control. The study concludes that the duration of type 2 diabetes, smoking, and poor blood glucose regulation significantly contribute to the development of diabetic retinopathy in patients with peripheral artery occlusion.