Association of Severity of Diabetic Retinopathy with HbA1c Level.

Abstract

Objective: To compare the association of the severity of Diabetic Retinopathy with the level of HbA1c. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Pak International Medical College and Hospital Peshawar from March (2019) to June (2019) after approval of ethical review board. Using consecutive sampling technique, total of 106 patients with Diabetic Mellitus type -2 were enrolled in the study who presented to out patient department of ophthalmology, Pak International Medical College and Hospital, Peshawar. Non diabetic patients and those who did not give consent to participate were excluded. After informed consent, full ophthalmologic examination was carried out for each patient. Diabetic retinopathy was graded as 0-5. No diabetic changes were labeled as Grade-0, and mild to moderate NPDR were included in Grade-1, CSME with NPDR as Grade 2, PDR as Grade 3, Advanced DR (VIT HE+ RD) was labeled as Grade 4, and nerve Palsy, CRAO, CRVO was labeled as Grade-5. Frequency and percentages were calculated for categorical data while mean, maximum, minimum, and standard deviation for continuous data via SPSS version- 27. One way ANOVA was applied to check for significance. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results Out of the 106 participants, 44 were male (41.50%) and 62 were female (58.50%). Among participants, Grade -2 (HbA1c range 8-12) comprised the highest percentage of patients at 44.3%, followed by Grade-1 (HbA1c range 5-8) with 35.8%, and Grade -3 (HbA1c range 12-15) with 19.8%. This suggests that as HbA1c values increase, the severity of DMR tends to escalate, emphasizing the critical role of glycemic control in managing diabetic complications affecting the retina. Conclusion As the HbA1c level increases the severity of diabetic retinopathy increases.