Introduction: Diabetes is traditionally known as a “silent disease,” exhibiting no symptoms until it progresses to severe target organ damage. Duration of diabetes is closely associated with onset and severity of diabetic retinopathy. Lack of glycaemic control, hypertension, renal disease manifested in form of microalbuminuria and proteinuria, elevated level of serum lipid are associated with extravasated lipid in retina (hard exudates) and visual loss., pregnancy and tobacco use.

Aim: To study retinopathy and its associated factors in type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the rural population of central India.

Material & Methods: 315 diagnosed Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected from health camp from rural areas around the U.P.U.M.S in the neighbouring districts of Etawah and Mainpuri. The patients were recruited after written consent. The information was collected using structured questionnaire and physical examination. HbA1c was measured using immune turbiditric method. All participants underwent a comprehensive dilated fundus examination to detect diabetic retionopathy by indirect ophthalmoscopy. Diabetic Retinopathy was clinically graded in accordance with the International Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy guidelines.

Results: A sample of 315 patients revealed that 39% were below 50years. Mean age of study population was 51.72 yrs. Average duration of diabetes was 3.97 years. Mean BMI was 25.23 kg/m². Mean FBS was 193.74 mg/dl. Average PPBS was 322.85 mg/dl. Average HBA1c was 9.07%. Mean total cholesterol was 182.78 mg/dl, HDL was 43.37 mg/dl, LDL was 105.30 mg/dl, and Triglyceride was 170.50 mg/dl. Socio economic status revealed 76% belonged to Lower and Lower middle class. The prevalence of NPDR was seen to be 19% and PDR 1.9%. Age and increased BP showed significant association with retinopathy with p value of <0.001 and 0.003 respectively.

Conclusion: Duration of Diabetes and Blood pressure were strongly associated with Diabetic retinopathy

Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, Retinopathy, Glycemic Control, Hypertension.

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Dr Ramakant Rawat

Associate Prof, Dept, Medicine, UPUMS, Saifai, Etawah (UP) – 206130, India