Investigating Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) among individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)

Roshan Bhandari 1, *, Ram Bahadur KC 2, Bijay G C 3, Ghanashyam Pandey 4, Abisekh Chaulagain 5, Sumeru Thapa Magar 6, Dilendra Yadav 5 and Rajesh Bahun 7

1 Department of Internal Medicine, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu-44600, Nepal.
2 Department of Internal Medicine, National Academy of Medical Sciences, Bir Hospital, Mahaboudhha, Kathmandu-44600, Nepal.
3 Department of Emergency Medicine and ICU, Chaurah Hospital Pvt. Ltd., Butwal-11, Rupandehi-32900, Nepal.
4 Department of Health Research, Government of Nepal- Nepal Health Research Council, Ramshahpath, Kathmandu-44600, Nepal.
5 Department of Internal Medicine, Kritipur Hospital, PHECT-Nepal, Kritipur, Kathmandu-44600, Nepal.
6 Department of Internal Medicine, Bardibas Hospital, Gaushala-11, Mahottari- 45711, Nepal.
7 Department of Internal Medicine, Shaileshwori Hospital Pvt. Ltd., Doti-10800, Nepal.
 
Research Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2023, 19(02), 1484–1492
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjarr.2023.19.2.1734
 
Publication history: 
Received on 14 July 2023; revised on 28 August 2023; accepted on 30 August 2023
 
Abstract: 
Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a sight-threatening complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Understanding its occurrence and associated factors is crucial for prevention and management. This study aimed to investigate DR in T2DM patients and identify relevant factors.
Methods: A 14-month hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Bir Hospital, Kathmandu. Sixty T2DM patients were included, undergoing ocular examinations and fundus evaluations at Nepal Eye Hospital. DR severity was graded using the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) criteria. HbA1C levels, fasting, and postprandial blood sugar were measured. Statistical analysis included chi-square test, t-test, and logistic regression.
Results: DR patients had a lower mean age (55.57±9.79 years) compared to non-DR patients (58.00±12.038 years, p=0.12). Age inversely correlated with severe DR (aOR=0.94, p=0.02). Longer diabetes duration increased DR likelihood (aOR=1.23, p=0.001) and severe DR risk (aOR=1.2, p<0.0001). Mean HbA1c was higher in DR patients (8.22±1.61%) compared to non-DR patients (7.48±1.59%, p=0.08), with marginal significance (aOR=1.44, p=0.09). Postprandial blood sugar was associated with DR (aOR=1.01, p=0.033), while fasting blood sugar was not significant. Hypertension was not associated with DR (p=0.89).
Conclusion: This study reveals higher prevalence and severity of DR with longer diabetes duration. Postprandial blood sugar showed significant association with DR, while fasting blood sugar did not. HbA1c's relationship with DR was marginally significant. Effective glycemic control and regular DR screening are crucial in T2DM patients.
 
Keywords: 
Diabetes mellitus; Diabetic retinopathy; Glycosylated hemoglobin; Fasting blood sugar; Postprandial blood sugar.
 
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