Última actualización 29 de agosto de 2026
Key finding
A higher cumulative glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was significantly associated with a higher risk of retinopathy (hazard ratio 1.4; 1.02-1.88, 95% posterior interval, adjusted for group, age, and sex).
This study investigated the long-term effects of a lifestyle intervention on diabetic retinopathy in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance, finding no significant differences in outcomes between intervention and control groups.
Quick read
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Extended (5–20+ y)
Risk of bias
High Risk
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Plain-language summary
A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.
Study focus
This study investigated the long-term effects of a lifestyle intervention on diabetic retinopathy in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance, finding no significant differences in outcomes between intervention and control groups.
Understanding the impact of lifestyle interventions on diabetic retinopathy is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies. Despite the lack of significant findings, the association between higher HbA1c levels and increased retinopathy risk highlights the importance of managing blood sugar levels in at-risk populations.
Small sample size may limit generalizability of findings The study duration may not be sufficient to observe long-term effects Potential unmeasured confounders could influence results
Published in
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Kai K, Mikko V, Sirkka K, Jaakko T, Jaana L, Matti U. Long-term effects of lifestyle intervention on diabetic retinopathy in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2025;110(3):e615-e621. doi:10.1210/clinem/dgae287
No significant difference in the incidence of clinically diagnosed diabetic retinopathy between intervention (8.9%) and control groups (7.7%)
Higher cumulative HbA1c levels were significantly associated with increased risk of retinopathy (hazard ratio 1.4)
The incidence of diabetes diagnosis during follow-up showed no statistically significant difference (odds ratio 1.86)
Evidence network
Understand where this research contributes within the broader evidence network.
This study contributes evidence to Exercise therapy and Diabetic retinopathy incidence, HbA1c, Incidence of edema during follow-up.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Exercise therapy
Primary outcomes
Evidence topics
Primary intervention
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
Editorial context
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Evidence network role
This section describes how the study fits into the current evidence network. It does not determine whether an intervention works on its own.
2
Related topics
3
Evidence pairs
581
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Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
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Evidencia principal
Tema de evidencia
matched_intervention_and_outcome
Evidencia relacionada
Tema de evidencia
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Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
Exercise therapy → Diabetic retinopathy incidence
Exercise therapy → Diabetic retinopathy incidence
Exercise therapy → Incidence of edema during follow-up
Exercise therapy → Incidence of edema during follow-up
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Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Exercise therapy and HbA1c, Exercise therapy and Retinopathy.
This study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Physical Activity
Physical Activity
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
All studies on Exercise therapy
Contributes to Exercise therapy evidence base.
All studies measuring HbA1c
Measures HbA1c as a key outcome.
All studies measuring Retinopathy
Measures Retinopathy as a key outcome.
Latest published studies
Published within the last 2 years.
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9 results
1 results
9 results
9 results
1 results
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Exercise therapy may improve HbA1c.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are generally consistent across studies.
Ranked evidence signals
HbA1c
EvidenceScore™ Strong | EvidenceScore™ 82.7 | moderate positive | ConsistencyScore™ Generally Consistent | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of Exercise therapy for Diabetic retinopathy incidence.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Diabetic retinopathy incidence
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of Exercise therapy for Incidence of edema during follow-up.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Incidence of edema during follow-up
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
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