The linear association between vitamin B12 and diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetic patients: a cross-sectional study - Summary - MDSpire

The linear association between vitamin B12 and diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetic patients: a cross-sectional study

  • By

  • Guangbi Fu

  • Juan Ling

  • Di Ling

  • Xinglin Chen

  • Wei Yang

  • June 22, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To examine the association between serum vitamin B12 levels and the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Approach:
    Key Findings:
    • Each 100 μmol/L increase in vitamin B12 was significantly associated with a higher risk of DR (OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.12–1.99, p = 0.0067).
    • Participants in the highest tertile of vitamin B12 (≥398 μmol/L) exhibited a substantially elevated risk of DR compared to those in the lowest tertile (OR = 11.83, 95% CI: 1.79–78.19, p = 0.0103).
    • GAM indicated a linear positive association between serum vitamin B12 levels and DR prevalence.
    Interpretation:

    Higher serum vitamin B12 levels were associated with greater DR prevalence in adults with T2DM; however, temporal ordering and causality cannot be established.

    Limitations:
    • The study design is cross-sectional, limiting causal inference.
    • Potential confounding factors may not have been fully accounted for.
    • Findings may not be generalizable beyond the studied population.
    Conclusion:

    The study provides preliminary evidence for the association between serum vitamin B12 levels and diabetic retinopathy in T2DM patients.

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