The Effects of Medical Management on the Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy in Persons with Type 2 Diabetes

Slowing of progression of retinopathy by intensive treatment of glycemia was observed in ACCORD participants, whose average age and diabetes duration were 62 and 10 years, respectively, and who had cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular risk factors. The effect seemed stronger in patients with mild retinopathy. Similar slowing of progression was observed in patients treated with fenofibrate, with no effect observed with intensive blood pressure treatment. This is the second study to confirm the benefits of fenofibrate in reducing diabetic retinopathy progression, and fenofibrate should be considered for treatment of diabetic retinopathy.