A readily available cholesterol medication may reduce the progression of diabetic retinopathy or macular edema BY 22%
by, Tavia Vital BSN, BA, RN, CDCES Director of Intensive Diabetes Management
In a new article published June 21, 2024, in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers describe an important finding.
The study summarizes that a readily available cholesterol medication may reduce the progression of diabetic retinopathy or macular edema by a relative risk reduction of at least 22%!
The article titled, “Effect of Fenofibrate on Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy“, found that 8.1% fewer people experienced progression of their diabetic retinopathy or macular issues if they took fenofibrate (Tricor) compared to those who took a placebo.
In this newly published study, 575 people took the and 576 people took fenofibrate. They were followed to evaluate if there was any difference in the progression of their baseline retinopathy or maculopathy during 4 years.
The study summarized those who took fenofibrate compared to those who took the placebo:
- 3.7% fewer people developed macular edema
- 6.5% fewer people needed to be referred for progression of diabetic retinopathy or macular issues
- 1.9% fewer people needed treatment for retinopathy
While these changes in percentages seem small, the impact of the risk reduction is tremendous. Several studies have shown in the progression of diabetic retinopathy or macular edema, and the need for treatment for either condition, to be a relative risk reduction between 25 to 50% for people who take fenofibrate!
For additional information:
Back to July 2024 NewsletterSign Up For The IDS Monthly Newsletter!
