Correlation between the ratio of fibroblast growth factor 21 to Klotho with the incidence and severity of diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by increased blood sugar levels due to impaired insulin secretion, insulin action, or a combination of both. Diabetic retinopathy affects 50-60% of individuals with DM, leading to blindness in 2.6% of cases. In diabetic retinopathy, FGF21 levels increase while Klotho levels decrease, resulting in a higher ratio of FGF21 levels to serum Klotho levels.METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital and Hasanuddin University Teaching Hospital in Makassar from December 2023 until January 2024. The study included type 2 DM patients aged over 18 years. The analysis used descriptive methods and statistical tests, considering results significant if the P