Glycemic control and ultrasound changes in retrobulbar blood flow in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Introduction. Glycemic control is a primary goal in the prevention of vascular complications in diabetes mellitus. Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus. Ultrasound diagnostics makes it possible to safely assess changes in retrobulbar blood flow during glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus at a young age.

Aim: To evaluate association between glycemic control parameters and hemodynamic changes in retrobulbar blood flow in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus at a young age.

Material and Methods. The study included data from 161 children aged 7–17 years with type 1 diabetes mellitus and glycosylated hemoglobin level more than 7.5%. All patients underwent ophthalmic ultrasound examination. Glycemic control was assessed using flash glucose monitoring technology.

Results. The study showed a statistically significant difference in glycemic control (p < 0.05) in patients with reduced retrobulbar blood flow comparing with a group of patients with unchanged blood flow through the retrobulbar vessels. Patients with reduced retrobulbar blood flow were characterized by an increase in the percentage of glycemic events above and below the target glycemic range (p = 0.000) and a decrease in the percentage of glycemic events within the target glycemic range (p = 0.000). A correlation was established (p < 0.05) between changes in glycemic control indicators and a decrease in blood flow through the retrobulbar vessels.

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