RETINOPATHY IN NEWLY DIAGNOSED TYPE 2 DIABETIC PATIENTS IN ISFAHAN, PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS.

Abstract

Background: Retinopathy is one of the micro vascular complications of diabetes which is strongly related to the glycemic control and duration of the disease. According to other studies, the prevalence of retinopathy has been reported 5-30% in newly diagnosed patients whit type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy among newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients in Isfahan.

Methods: From July 2001 to March 2004, 710 new patients with type 2 diabetes were studied in Isfahan. Patients with duration of diabetes less than 1 year were considered as newly diagnosed subjects. Physical examination and laboratory measurement for FBS, HbA₁c, lipid profile, urea, creatinin, and 24 hour urine for albumin, also retinoscopy was performed in patients.

Results: 286 men and 424 women were recuirted. The mean age of patients at presentation and the mean of diabetes duration were 48.8 ±9.8 years (ranged 31-72 years) and 8.6±5.4 months, respectively. The prevalence of retinopathy was 9 % (9/8% in males and 8.5% in females). Logistic regression analysis revealed that BMI, diastolic blood pressure and 24 hour urine albumin, were independent predictors of retinopathy.

Conclusion: Regardless of the average prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in our study comparing with other studies, it is necessary to perform retin examination in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients to prevent the sight-threatening outcomes of diabetic retinopathy.