In February 2019 researchers from China and Australia published the results of their study to assess the association between dietary intake with the 10-year incidence of diabetic retinopathy progression in working-aged Australians with diabetes. A total of 8,122 individuals, average age 57 years, were involved in the study. Information on the intake of meat, dairy products, wholemeal bread, breakfast cereal, vegetables, fruit and fruit juice was collected via a self-administered questionnaire at the start of the study. During an average follow-up of 9 years, 314 (4%) individuals experienced a progression in diabetic retinopathy and required laser treatment. Results showed that a higher consumption of cheese and wholemeal bread was associated with a lower risk of laser treatment being required. However, it was noted that BMI, insulin treatment and gender significantly modified the association between cheese/wholemeal bread and the requirement for laser treatment.
Yan X et al. Does daily dietary intake affect diabetic retinopathy progression? 10-year results from the 45 and Up Study. Br J Ophthalmol. 2019 Feb 22. [Epub ahead of print]