Evaluation of systemic risk factors in diabetic retinopathy among patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a tertiary care hospital: An analytical study

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major health concern in Southeast Asia, and diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of its most debilitating complications.

Aim: To investigate the association of systolic and diastolic hypertension, age, duration of diabetes, and glycemic control (HbA1c) with the occurrence of DR in patients with type 2 DM.

Methodology: This case–control study included 500 patients attending the Ophthalmology Department of NCMCH, Israna, Panipat, Haryana. Patients with proteinuria were excluded to eliminate the influence of nephropathy. Participants were aged between 40–80 years and divided into two groups: Group A (with DR) and Group B (without DR). Clinical parameters such as systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, random blood sugar, and HbA1c were evaluated.

Results: Patients with DR had significantly higher systolic blood pressure compared to those without DR (141.8 ± 11.01 vs. 124.5 ± 13.6 mmHg, P<0.001). No significant difference was observed in diastolic BP between groups. The mean age of patients with DR was significantly higher than those without DR (57.5 ± 7.9 vs. 55.1 ± 8.1 years, P<0.001). The mean duration of diabetes was also longer in the DR group (12.2 ± 5.1 vs. 7.9 ± 4.4 years, P<0.001). HbA1c levels were significantly higher in patients with DR than in those without DR (8.4 ± 0.8 vs. 7.5 ± 0.8, P<0.001), highlighting the role of poor long-term glycemic control in the development of DR.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, diabetic retinopathy, hypertension, HbA1c, duration of diabetes