Sight-threatening retinopathy is associated with lower mortality in type 2 diabetic subjects: a 10-year observation study.

Aims: To study associations between diabetic retinopathy and development of stroke, myocardial infarction and death in type 2 diabetic patients.

Methods: During a 10-year observation period, 363 type 2 diabetic patients (diagnosis > or =30 years of age) attending an outpatient clinic were studied regarding the prevalence and incidence of retinopathy and associated risk factors, i.e.