Association of the glucose metabolism continuum (fasting plasma glucose/HbA1c) with tear-film stability and secretion: ocular surface evidence across non-diabetes, prediabetes, and diabetes - Takeaways - MDSpire

Association of the glucose metabolism continuum (fasting plasma glucose/HbA1c) with tear-film stability and secretion: ocular surface evidence across non-diabetes, prediabetes, and diabetes

  • By

  • Huan Xiang

  • Zengsheng Zhou

  • April 13, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    Higher glycemic status is associated with shorter non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT) and lower Schirmer scores in non-diabetic, prediabetic, and diabetic individuals.

  • 2

    The study found that the odds of dry eye disease (DED) increased significantly with higher HbA1c levels, with a 1% increase correlating to a 31% higher odds of DED.

  • 3

    DED prevalence was 24.0% in non-diabetic, 34.0% in prediabetic, and 51.0% in diabetic individuals, indicating a clear gradient across glycemic strata.

  • 4

    Tear osmolarity abnormalities and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) positivity also increased with higher glycemic levels, suggesting inflammation and homeostatic failure.

  • 5

    The study highlights the need for longitudinal research to explore the temporal relationships and clinical significance of glycemia on tear-film stability and DED.

Original Source(s)

Association of the glucose metabolism continuum (fasting plasma glucose/HbA1c) with tear-film stability and secretion: ocular surface evidence across non-diabetes, prediabetes, and diabetes

  • by Huan Xiang, Zengsheng Zhou

  • April 13, 2026

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