Carotenoid status in type 2 diabetes patients with and without retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the leading causes of blindness. Carotenoids are plant-derived pigments required for general health and particularly for vision. In this study, we evaluated the dietary intake and blood carotenoid levels of type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients with and without DR. A cross-sectional case-control study was conducted among 151 age-matched controls and 344 T2D patients, of which 194 had DR and 150 had no DR (NDR). After a complete ophthalmic examination, the demographic, anthropometric and clinical profiles were obtained. Carotenoids in the plasma were measured by HPLC and dietary intakes were obtained using a food frequency questionnaire. The mean plasma levels of carotenoids (except gamma-carotene) were significantly lower in the DR group compared to the Control and NDR groups. The dietary intakes of zeaxanthin, lycopene, alpha-carotene and beta-carotene were significantly lower in the NDR group compared to the Control group, and were further lower in the DR group compared to the NDR group. Plasma carotenoid levels were significantly inversely associated with the duration of diabetes, RBS and HbA1c but positively associated with HDL. This study demonstrated decreased plasma levels and lower dietary intakes of carotenoids in DR subjects.

Automated summary

The study found that diabetic retinopathy (DR) patients had lower plasma carotenoid levels and lower dietary intakes compared to those without DR. Plasma carotenoid levels were negatively associated with the duration of diabetes and blood glucose levels.