Natural History of Mild Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Under Contemporary Diabetes Care
Authors' conclusion
In this real-world screening-based cohort of adults with T1D, mild NPDR demonstrated a highly dynamic course, with more than half of patients experiencing regression over 5 years. Overall glycemic control, reflected by HbA1c, was the primary determinant of regression. CGM-derived metrics did not provide additional predictive value beyond HbA1c in this setting.
Study context
- Population
- Adults with T1D and mild non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) identified by digital fundus photography within a screening program, 2018–2020; median age 39 years, median diabetes duration 21 years
- Participants
- 113 adults
- Outcome
- Retinopathy outcome: regression (absence of retinopathy), stability (persistent mild NPDR) or progression (moderate/severe NPDR and/or DME)
- Follow-up
- ≈5 years
Methodological detailsscreening-based, real-world
- Screening-based
- Real-world
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Evolution of mild NPDR
Regression
57.5%
Remained stable
31.0%
Progressed
11.5%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Factors associated with regression
- Lower HbA1c at follow-up in participants with regression vs those without
- Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics (incl. TIR, GMI) associated with regression in univariate analyses, but not independent of HbA1c due to strong collinearity
- Multivariable analysis: lower HbA1c the only independent predictor of regression
Original publication
Natural History of Mild Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Under Contemporary Diabetes Care. Diabetes Technol Ther. Published 21 August 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →