Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR), an imperative sequel is posing huge threat of blindness because of substantial prevalence of diabetes in the population of Central India. In depth understanding of its risk factors is relatively unexplored in this region.

Objective: To identify the prevalence and risk predictors of diabetic retinopathy in Central India.

Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in 300 type 2 diabetic subjects of age >40 years. Consenting subjects were tested with dilated pupil fundoscopy and categorized into non proliferative (NPDR) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) according to ETDRS Classifiction.

Results: Univariate regression analysis revealed advancing age (>60 years), duration of diabetes (DOD) >10 years, systolic (>120mmHg), obesity, smoking, proteinuria, Hyperlipdemia (total cholesterol >200mg/dl), as risk factors. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, age>60 years, DOD>10 years, SBP>120mmHg, total cholesterol >200mg/dl, raised blood sugar level were observed to be substantial risk variables influencing independently the risk of DR in the population of Central India.

Conclusion: Prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy in Central India is 30.33% with Age of the patient, duration of diabetes, uncontrolled blood sugar, hypertension, hyperlipidemia being important factors for development & progression of DR. The primary prevention intervention for DR is good diabetes management through the control of blood sugar, blood pressure & lipids, maintaining healthy weight & cessation of smoking.

Keywords: prevalence of diabetic retinopathy ,risk factors, NPDR, PDR, macular edema.

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Dr Minal Vyawhare

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