Lens changes and the incidence of cardiovascular events among persons with diabetes

Previous studies have associated the development of cataracts in diabetics with a death rate of more than two times that of diabetics without cataracts. This paper explores whether this link can be associated with changes specific to the cardiovascular system. At the time of eye examination, 133 diabetic patients without cardiovascular involvement were observed. Of these, 57 had at least one cardiovascular event such as heart attack or stroke by the time of their most recent follow-up examination eight to ten years later. Statistical examination suggests that there is an increased risk of cardiovascular problems in diabetic persons with lens changes. Congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease (diseases of the vessels to the heart itself) were found. The authors conclude that lens changes in adult-onset diabetics are an early prognostic sign of mortality and appear to be a predictor of cardiovascular disease.