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Retinopathy Risks

Wed, 2010-06-23 14:34 -- Thiruvelan

Diabetes is the major risk factor for retinopathy; other risk factors are duration of diabetes, poor blood-glucose control, pregnancy, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

Retinopathy Risk factors

Some common risk factors for retinopathy are:

  • Having diabetes both type 1 and type 2 is a major risk factor for developing retinopathy and macular edema.
  • The longer a person has diabetes, the greater the chance of retinopathy.
  • Poor blood sugar control is one of the main causes of diabetic retinopathy.
  • Smoking may indirectly contribute and increase the risk for the diabetic retinopathy.
  • Hypertension increases the risk of retinopathy.
  • Pregnancy seems to increase the risk of developing retinopathy. Women who already have retinopathy and become pregnant, the condition becomes worse.
  • Nearly half of all people with diabetes will develop some degree of diabetic retinopathy during their lifetime.
  • Studies suggest that having a high-cholesterol level increases the risk of retinopathy. However, reducing it limits the progression of retinopathy.
  • Type 2 diabetes and user of the medicine rosiglitazone (Avandia, Avandamet, and Avandaryl) to treat their diabetes may have a higher risk for problems with the center of the retina (the macula).

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