AIM: To explore the relationship between diabetic retinopathy(DR)and bone mineral density(BMD)in type 2 diabetic patients, and to provide evidence for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in diabetic retinopathy patients.

METHODS: A prospective, controlled study was conducted on 101 type 2 diabetic patients and 17 non-diabetic patients who visited the Department of Ophthalmology and Endocrinology of Huangshi Central Hospital from January 2018 to September 2018. General information, BMD results(LB, HB), and laboratory results were recorded for analysis.

RESULTS: In patients with diabetes, HB was negatively correlated with the severity of DR(r=-0.23, P=0.02). Further analysis of BMD and severity of DR was performed by gender grouping. There was no statistically significant difference between LB and HB groups in male patients. There were statistically significant differences between the LB and HB groups in female patients(F=3.52, P=0.02; F=5.21, P<0.05). In female patients with type 2 diabetes, both LB and HB showed a declining trend with the development of DR.

CONCLUSION: In women with type 2 diabetes mellitus accompanied by DR, the bone mineral density decreased significantly. In the treatment of basic diseases, active intervention for osteoporosis should be paid attention to reduce the risk of fracture.