A clinical study of vitamin d supplementation in diabetic retinopathy patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

To evaluate the effect of supplementation of Vitamin D in delaying the progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR), and its use as a predictor for the severity of Diabetic Retinopathy. Materials and Methods: 100 patients with type 2 diabetes melitus and diabetic retinopathy were included in this retrospective study which was carried out at the vitreoretinal services, department of ophthalmology at DR B.R Ambedkar medical college and hospital over a period of 1 year. Results: Out of 100 patients, 59 were males and 41 were females. At 3 months, no progression noted in moderate, severe and very severe NPDR. However in control group 20% progressed to high risk PDR which is not found in cases. It was statistically significant (p value < 0.05). At 6 months progression to high risk PDR noted only in 2%of the cases but in 28% controls and even to progression to early PDR was increased to 12% in controls. It was statistically significant (p value < 0.05). Conclusions: From the results of the study we can conclude that oral supplementation of Vitamin D in addition to the recommended treatment with photocoagulation, delays the progression of severe, very severe and early PDR. Our study demonstrated that low levels of vitamin D may be a risk marker of development or progression of diabetic retinopathy.