Investigating Metabolic and Lipid Profiles Associated With Different Stages of Diabetic Maculopathy and Retinopathy in South Wales

What this Trial Is About

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is a common complication of diabetes that damages the small blood vessels in the retina, potentially leading to vision loss. Researchers are studying the metabolic and lipid profiles in people with type 2 diabetes at different stages of DR to better understand the disease's underlying mechanisms. This observational study aims to identify chemicals in the blood and the role of gut bacteria that may influence retinal damage and diabetic eye disease progression. Participants will provide blood and urine samples for detailed lipidomic and metabolomic analyses, while researchers will review medical records, previous eye photographs, and specialized retinal scans to classify the severity of DR. The study groups include patients at various stages of diabetic eye disease, ranging from no retinopathy to proliferative DR and diabetic macular edema (DMO) without prior treatment. Sample collection is coordinated with routine clinic visits to minimize participant burden. During the study, participants’ data and biological samples will be securely collected and anonymized. Researchers will analyze blood plasma and urine metabolites over several years to explore potential biomarkers and mechanisms related to DR severity. The primary outcome is the analysis of serum lipid profiles associated with DR, supported by secondary analyses of metabolic pathways and microbiome interactions. The study is planned to start recruiting in early 2025, with ongoing sample analysis continuing until 2030.

Investigating the Metabolic and Lipidomic Profiles That Are Associated With Varying Grades of Diabetic Maculopathy and Retinopathy in South Wales