To investigate the effect of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) on the progression of type 2 diabetic retinopathy (DR) in elderly patients.

A total of 86 elderly patients with DR who were diagnosed in Gucheng People's Hospital during March 2020 and March 2021 were selected. Among them, 52 cases were with OSAHS (OSAHS group) and 34 cases were without OSAHS (non-OSAHS group). The general biochemical indexes, 24-h urinary albumin, insulin function, sleep related indexes and the progression of DR were analyzed and compared between two groups. T test was used for the comparison between measurement data, and chi-square test was used for the comparison between counting data.

The results of general biochemical indicators such as low-density lipoprotein, 2-hour postprandial blood glucose, total cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase and uric acid levels in OSAHS group were significantly higher than those in non-OSAHS group (t=2.740, 2.129, 2.278, 2.553, 2.141; P < 0.05 or P < 0.01); the levels of 24-hour urinary albumin, fasting insulin, fasting C-peptide and homeostasis model insulin resistance index were significantly higher than those in the non-OSAHS group (t=5.698, 4.594, 5.268, 7.846; P < 0.01); apnea and hypopnea index, oxygen desaturation index and percentage of time with SaO₂ below 90% in total sleep time were significantly higher than those in non OSAHS group (t=22.652, 9.817, 25.564; P < 0.01), while the lowest and average oxygen saturation levels were significantly lower than those in non-OSAHS group (t=2.040, 2.156; P < 0.05). Patients in OSAHS group were more likely to have moderate and severe non-proliferative DR (χ²=4.129, 4.246; P < 0.05).

OSAHS may affect liver and kidney function, glucose and lipid metabolism in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes, and promote the occurrence of moderate and severe non-proliferative DR.