Assessment of Diabetic Retinopathy And Its Association With Glycemic Control In Newly Diagnosed Diabetes Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 is a major health concern worldwide, with a high number of cases resulting in various types of complications affecting target organs like Brain, Heart, Kidneys, and Eyes with the eyes presenting as Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), which is nowadays becoming a reason of preventable blindness. Low glycemic control, ageing, and delay in the diagnosis have enhanced the risk of DR. The study highlights the significance of the screening process and the accurate management to help prevent the effects of DR

Methodology: This cross-sectional, hospital-based observational study was carried out over a one-year period in a tertiary care center in India to evaluate Diabetic Retinopathy and its association with glycemic control. 80 newly diagnosed adult patients with type-2 Diabetes Mellitus were enrolled after obtaining institutional ethical approval and informed consent. Participants underwent detailed clinical assessment, including demographic profiling, laboratory evaluation of glycemic status using HbA1c levels, and comprehensive ophthalmological examination for the detection and grading of Diabetic Retinopathy. Patients were categorized into retinopathy and non-retinopathy groups. Statistical analyses were performed to assess associations and identify predictors of Diabetic Retinopathy among newly diagnosed diabetic patients.

Result: Among the 80 newly diagnosed type-2 diabetic patients, Diabetic Retinopathy was observed in 44% (35/80), predominantly mild non-proliferative disease (40%), followed by moderate (31%), severe non-proliferative (20%), and proliferative retinopathy (9%). Age and gender did not differ significantly between groups (p=0.21; p=0.81). The duration of diabetes was longer in the retinopathy group (2.5 ± 0.4 vs 1.5 ± 0.3 months; p=0.058) but not significantly different. Multivariate analysis identified diabetes duration (OR 1.14; p<0.001), HbA1c (OR 1.28; p=0.0256), and age (OR 2.08; p<0.05) as significant predictors.

Conclusion: The study concluded that the Diabetic Retinopathy is a common finding even among newly diagnosed type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients and is significantly associated with poor glycemic control. Higher HbA1c levels and increasing duration of diabetes emerged as independent predictors of Diabetic Retinopathy.