Ganglion cell complex loss in patients with type 1 diabetes: A 36-month retrospective study

BACKGROUND: To analyze changes over a 3-year period in ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness in individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (Optovue, Fremont, CA, USA). METHODS: Thirty-seven individuals from “Friends for Life Conference” with T1DM and a 3-year history of GCC thickness measurements were included in the study. Data analysis using SPSS 22 and Excel StatPlus was completed to note the subgroups that had a significant change. RESULTS: Significant decreases were noted in the following subgroups with slope in parenthesis. 1. Overall: GCC superior thickness OD (−0.48). 2. Male: GCC thickness OD (−0.86), GCC superior thickness OD (−0.735). 3. Body mass index (BMI) 25.0–29.9: GCC thickness OD (−0.48), GCC superior thickness OS (−0.915), GCC inferior thickness OD (−0.43). 4. Ages 10–20 years: GCC superior thickness OD (−0.635). 5. Duration of diabetes 10–20 years: GCC thickness OD (−1.055), GCC superior thickness OD (−0.99). CONCLUSION: GCC loss was noted in individuals who were males, those with BMIs of 25.0–29.9, and those who had diabetes for 10–20 years. Ganglion cell loss was also noted before the presence of any diabetic retinopathy, suggesting onset of neuronal loss before any vasculature changes.