The effect of strict short-term metabolic control on retinal nervous system abnormalities in newly diagnosed Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients.

The oscillatory potential of the electroretinogram and the initial 2-min phase of dark-adaptation were studied in seven newly diagnosed Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients before and during initial insulin treatment. Strict metabolic control was achieved in all seven patients using multiple subcutaneous injections of insulin. Seven to 11 days of strict metabolic control improved the added amplitude value of the oscillatory potential from 236 +/- 8 to 268 +/- 8 microV (mean +/- SEM; p less than 0.01) and the dark-adaptation from 90 +/- 5 to 67 +/- 5 s (p less than 0.01). Our study has demonstrated reversible neurophysiological abnormalities in the diabetic retina which are related to metabolic control.