Diabetic retinopathy and chronic kidney disease synergistically increase the risk of incident cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes: Insights from two cohort studies
Authors' conclusion
PDR and CKD, both independently and in combination, increase cardiovascular risk in individuals with T2D, particularly among younger age groups. These findings support incorporating PDR into cardiovascular risk assessment and management.
Study context
- Population
- Individuals with T2D and no prior cardiovascular disease (CVD), Korean NHIS cohort and UK Biobank
- Exposure
- PDR, chronic kidney disease (CKD), or both vs no diabetic retinopathy (DR) or CKD
- Outcome
- Composite of:
- Cardiovascular death
- Nonfatal MI
- Nonfatal stroke
Methodological detailstwo cohorts (Korean NHIS, UK Biobank), Korean NHIS cohort (n = 2,064,406) and UK Biobank (n = 21,350)
- Two cohorts (Korean NHIS, UK Biobank)
- Korean NHIS cohort (n = 2,064,406) and UK Biobank (n = 21,350)
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Primary composite outcome (Korean cohort)
Adjusted hazard ratio
1.37
PDR
Adjusted hazard ratio
1.36
CKD
Adjusted hazard ratio
2.21
PDR + CKD
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
| Outcome | aHR |
|---|---|
| Effect of PDR on CVD by age group (reference: no DR in each age group)PDR, <40 years vs No DR, <40 years | 3.28 |
| Effect of PDR on CVD by age group (reference: no DR in each age group)PDR, 40-64 years vs No DR, 40-64 years | 1.77 |
| Effect of PDR on CVD by age group (reference: no DR in each age group)PDR, ≥65 years vs No DR, ≥65 years | 1.29 |
Original publication
Diabetic retinopathy and chronic kidney disease synergistically increase the risk of incident cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes: Insights from two cohort studies. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. Published 10 July 2025. doi:10.
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