A recent study has highlighted a potential connection between vitamin A deficiency and diabetic retinopathy in individuals with type 2 diabetes, a relationship that has been explored only minimally in past research. Conducted between 2019 and 2024, the study analyzed data from 1,490 participants, including 470 healthy individuals and 1,020 with type 2 diabetes. Of the diabetic participants, 500 showed no signs of diabetic retinopathy, while 520 were diagnosed with the condition. All participants were over 30 years old and had undergone retinal exams to assess the severity of diabetic retinopathy, along with blood tests to measure their serum vitamin A levels.
The results revealed a striking deficiency of vitamin A among many of the participants, particularly those with diabetic retinopathy. Compared to the healthy group, individuals with diabetic retinopathy had significantly lower vitamin A levels. After adjusting for other factors, the study found a stronger likelihood of vitamin A deficiency in those diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy. The severity of the condition further correlated with the degree of vitamin A deficiency. Participants with more advanced stages of retinopathy had notably lower vitamin A levels. Smoking and high blood pressure were found to influence this relationship.
Moreover, over a two-year follow-up period, those with lower vitamin A levels were more likely to develop diabetic retinopathy, indicating a progressive link between declining vitamin A status and the worsening of the disease. These findings suggest that vitamin A deficiency could be a potential biological risk factor for both the onset and progression of diabetic retinopathy in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
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