Abstract
PURPOSE: To identify any possible relation between glycaemic control and previous laser photocoagulation for diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: Seventy-two patients with diabetes were included in the study and were separated into 2 groups according to previous treatment (group A) or not (group B) with argon laser photocoagulation. Glycaemic control was estimated by measuring blood levels of HbA1c in four consecutive measurements. RESULTS: Blood levels of HbA1c in group A were significantly lower 3, 6, and 12 months after laser treatment as compared to blood levels of HbA1c before laser treatment (7.1 ± 0.4% versus 7.6 ± 0.9%, 7.2 ± 0.2% versus 7.6 ± 0.9%, and 7.1 ± 0.2% versus 7.6 ± 0.9%, resp., all P < 0.05). Blood levels of HbA1c in group B did not differ significantly in four consecutive measurements. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that we should anticipate a better glycaemic control in cases of patients with diabetes previously treated with laser photocoagulation.