Risk factors leading to diabetic retinopathy among diabeticpatients presenting to DHQ Hospital DI Khan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59736/IJP.24.02.1076Keywords:
Albuminuria, Diabetic Retinopathy, Dyslipidemia, HbA1c, Hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes MellitusAbstract
Background: Diabetic retinopathy is a common microvascular complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus and a major cause of preventable vision loss. Poor glycemic control, hypertension, and prolonged diabetes duration are important risk factors associated with disease progression.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at the Department of Ophthalmology, DHQ Hospital DI Khan, over a six-month period following ethical approval. Using non-probability consecutive sampling, 166 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy were enrolled. Demographic and clinical data including age, gender, duration of diabetes, hypertension status, family history of diabetes, and HbA1c levels were recorded on a structured proforma. Fundoscopic examination was performed by a consultant ophthalmologist with a minimum of five years of post-fellowship experience. Disease severity and associated risk factors, namely dyslipidemia and albuminuria, were documented and analyzed using SPSS version 26.0.
Results: The average age of the participants was 55.44 ± 10.07 years, average HbA1c level was 8.01 ± 1.31%, and average duration of the disease was 7.40 ± 3.40 years. Hypertension was present in 74.3% of the patients, while a family history of diabetes was observed in 54.8%. The prevalence rate for each of the severity grades of retinopathy was as follows: grade 1 - 47.6%, grade 2 - 28.9%, grade 3 - 14.5%, and grade 4 - 9.0%. Total hypercholesterolemia occurred in 43.4%, LDL cholesterol elevation in 51.8%, and albuminuria in 36.1% of the patients. Stratification analysis did not show any statistically significant relationship between lipid disorders and albuminuria with the other variables considered (age, location of residence, hypertension)
Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus duration, poor glycemic control, high blood pressure, and abnormal lipid profile were the main risk factors found. Retinal examination and strict metabolic control are essential in preventing further deterioration and loss of vision.
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