Association of the KCNJ11 E23K (rs5219) variant with proliferative diabetic retinopathy in Lebanese patients with type 2 diabetes - Scorecard - MDSpire

Association of the KCNJ11 E23K (rs5219) variant with proliferative diabetic retinopathy in Lebanese patients with type 2 diabetes

  • By

  • Rita Nemr

  • Akram Echtay

  • Perizat Kanabekova

  • Zhansaya Bauyrzhanova

  • Dana Amanzhol

  • Wassim Y. Almawi

  • July 8, 2026

  • 0 min

Share

Clinical Scorecard: Link Between the KCNJ11 E23K (rs5219) Polymorphism and Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy in Lebanese Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionDiabetic Retinopathy
Key MechanismsATP-sensitive potassium channels regulate insulin release; KCNJ11 gene encodes Kir6.2 channel.
Target PopulationLebanese individuals with Type 2 Diabetes
Care SettingClinical genetic epidemiology study

Key Highlights

  • E23K variant linked to increased odds of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).
  • K/K homozygosity associated with higher risk under good glycemic control (HbA1c ≤ 7.0%).
  • Genotype information slightly improved model discrimination for PDR prediction.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Classify diabetic retinopathy using ETDRS criteria.

Management

  • Monitor glycemic control to potentially mitigate risk of PDR.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Assess diabetes duration and glycemic control in relation to retinopathy progression.

Risks

  • Increased risk of PDR associated with KCNJ11 E23K variant, particularly in individuals with longer diabetes duration.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes, particularly those with a duration of diabetes ≥10 years.

Focus on glycemic control as a modifiable risk factor for retinopathy.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Consider genetic testing for KCNJ11 E23K in patients with advanced diabetic retinopathy.
  • Integrate genetic insights with clinical assessments for comprehensive patient management.

Related Resources & Content

Original Source(s)

Association of the KCNJ11 E23K (rs5219) variant with proliferative diabetic retinopathy in Lebanese patients with type 2 diabetes

  • by Rita Nemr, Akram Echtay, Perizat Kanabekova, Zhansaya Bauyrzhanova, Dana Amanzhol, Wassim Y. Almawi

  • July 8, 2026

Related Content

Visual Impairment and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Hispanic and Latino Adults

Investigational OCTA Devices Show Promise in Diabetic Disease Assessment

At Retina World Congress, Patricio G. Schlottmann, MD, discussed investigational widefield OCTA platforms made by Chinese company TowardPi Medical.

Editorial: Community series in: clinical and genetic determinants of diabetes and complications, volume II