Lipid-Lowering Drugs May Reduce Risk of Diabetic Retinopathy

Researchers from Japan’s Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine recently discovered that lipid-lowering medications that contain fibrates could reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy. Their study analyzed data on nearly 85,000 patients with type 2 diabetes. Results showed that diabetic retinopathy was reduced by approximately 23% when lipid-lowering medications were used. Statins and fibrates were similarly effective.

The need for diabetic retinopathy treatment among type 2 diabetes patients also showed improvement. Lipid-lowering medication led to a 35% reduction, and the need for vitrectomy and laser photocoagulation was reduced by 52% and 35%, respectively. While this observational study is somewhat limited, it shows promise for the future of diabetes treatment.

These findings were published in Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism on September 10, 2018.