Protection from retinopathy and other complications in patients with type 1 diabetes of extreme duration: the joslin 50-year medalist study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To assess complication prevalence and identify protective factors in patients with diabetes duration of ≥50 years. Characterization of a complication-free subgroup in this cohort would suggest that some individuals are protected from diabetes complications and allow identification of endogenous protective factors.

Research design and methods

Cross-sectional, observational study of 351 U.S. residents who have survived with type 1 diabetes for ≥50 years (Medalists). Retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular disease were assessed in relation to HbA(1c), lipids, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Retrospective chart review provided longitudinal ophthalmic data for a subgroup.

Results

A high proportion of Medalists remain free from prolife

SUBMITTER: Sun JK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3064059 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature