Can simple tendon reflex findings identify patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at risk of diabetic retinopathy (DR)? A retrospective cohort study published in Diabetology evaluated the association between Achilles and patellar tendon reflexes and DR development.

The study included 1172 patients with T2DM. Tendon reflex findings were classified as normal, decreased, absent, or not examined. The primary outcome was the development of DR. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to evaluate associations between tendon reflex findings and DR.

During a median follow-up of 4.3 years, 271 patients developed DR. In multivariable analysis, absent Achilles tendon reflex was associated with DR development (hazard ratio [HR] 1.52; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-2.27). Absent patellar tendon reflex was also associated with DR development (HR 1.89; 95% CI 1.18–3.03).

The absence of Achilles and patellar tendon reflexes may serve as risk markers for DR development in patients with T2DM.