Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy and Its Relationship with Blood Sugar Level and Duration of Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: The worldwide prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) has risen. Diabetics are 25
times more likely to become blind than non-diabetics due to Diabetic Retinopathy (DR). The DR
could either be delayed or treated by diagnosis at an early stage which is possible by regular
ophthalmoscopic examination. Hyperglycemia is the major pathogenetic factor for DR and
frequency and progression from non-proliferative to proliferative increases with increasing
duration of DM. Studies show reduction in the rate of progression of DR from non-proliferative
(background to pre-proliferative to proliferative) by good glycaemic control and treatment with
laser can be offered if treating physician identifies it at an early stage.
Material and Methods: This descriptive and analytical study was carried out on 250 patients
visiting diabetic clinic at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore. The aim of this study was to identify the
stages of DR and to find effect of BSLand duration of DM on stages of DR.
Subjects and Methods: BSL was measured with glucometer. Ophthalmoscopy was done on
dilated pupils and stages were noted as background, pre-proliferative and proliferative DR.
Results: Out of 250 diabetic patients 72 (28.8%) had DR. The stage of DR had advanced with
increased BSLand duration of DM.
Conclusion: With increasing duration of DM and poorly controlled BSL, diabetic retinopathy
progresses from background to pre-proliferative to proliferative stage. Sight threatening DR can
be delayed by good glycaemic control or treated by timely laser therapy which requires
identification of stages of DR at an early occasion