Diabetic Retinopathy and Serum Lipids

DHW Su, KT Yeo
Correspondence: Dr K T Yeo

ABSTRACT
The association between serum lipid levels and diabetic retinopathy has been investigated in many studies. Some studies show a positive relationship between serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels and retinal hard exudation. Other studies show serum triglyceride levels as being important in the progression of retinopathy. Certain other studies show no relationship between serum lipid levels and diabetic retinopathy. We review the literature on this subject and illustrate this report with an example of a diabetic with severe diabetic maculopathy and high serum lipid levels.

Singapore Med J 2000; 41(6): 295-297