Alcohol consumption and the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if alcohol consumption is associated with the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy.

PARTICIPANTS

This study surveyed a population-based sample (n = 1210) of younger-onset diabetic persons (diagnosed before age 30 years and taking insulin) and a stratified random sample (n = 1780) of older-onset diabetic persons (diagnosed after age 30 years). Baseline and 4-year follow-up examinations completed by 996 and 891 (730 by persons age 21 or older) younger-onset persons, respectively, and 1370 and 987 older-onset persons, respectively. Data analyzed are from the 4-year follow-up examination. Questionnaires concerning consumption were completed at follow-up.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Diabetic retinopathy as determined from stereographic fundus photography.

RESULTS

After controlling for known risk factors in the adult younger-onset group, average alcohol consumption, as determined by questionnaire, was inversely associated with prevalence of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), odds ratio, 0.49; 95% confidence interval, 0.27 to 0.92. The trend was similar for recent consumption, odds ratio, 0.63; confidence interval, 0.37 to 1.09. In the older-onset groups taking or not taking insulin, average or recent alcohol consumption or usage history were not significantly associated with the prevalence of any retinopathy or PDR.

CONCLUSIONS

Alcohol consumption does not appear to increase the risk of retinopathy and may have a beneficial effect in younger-onset persons, although further study is needed.