Abstract
Introduction: Globally, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and obesity is rapidly increasing. DM and, consequently, diabetic retinopathy (DR) are serious issues that all countries around the world are facing. This study originated from a need to assess whether diabetic patients at the Outpatient Department at the National District Hospital in Bloemfontein have knowledge about their disease and are aware of the possible ocular complications.Methods: A descriptive study on a single group of participants was conducted at the Outpatient Department at National District Hospital in Bloemfontein. Non-random judgemental sampling was used to select participants who were diagnosed with diabetes. All participants were above the age of 18 and gave signed consent after reading through the information document provided.Results: The participants (n = 70) were mainly women (72%) and elderly (> 40 years). Age groups represented were 40 years (7.1%), 40–49 years (12.9%), 50–59 years (32.9%), 60–69 years (28.6%) and ≥ 70 years (18.56%). Almost 82% of the participants were aware that DM can cause blindness and 85.7% were aware of cataracts as a possible complication of DM. Almost half (47.1%) were not aware that DM can cause DR and more than half (52.9%) were unaware that DM can cause increased intraocular pressure (IOP).Conclusion: These results highlight the need for further education of diabetic patients regarding the relationship between DM and the ocular complications.
Highlights
The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and obesity is rapidly increasing
Diabetes mellitus (DM) can be defined as a group of metabolic diseases, which are characterised by hyperglycaemia resulting from a defect in the secretion of insulin, the function of insulin or both
In type I DM, which is known as juvenile-onset DM, there is an abnormality with insulin secretion, resulting in insulin deficiency
Summary
The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and obesity is rapidly increasing. Diabetes mellitus (DM) can be defined as a group of metabolic diseases, which are characterised by hyperglycaemia resulting from a defect in the secretion of insulin, the function of insulin or both. In type I DM, which is known as juvenile-onset DM, there is an abnormality with insulin secretion, resulting in insulin deficiency. This may be caused by the destruction of β-cells of the pancreas or may be idiopathic. Type II DM is seen as the most common form of DM and accounts for more than 90% of diabetic patients.[2] In this type of DM, which is known as adult-onset DM, there is a combination of insulin deficiency due to secretion abnormalities as well as resistance to insulin. Systemic symptoms of DM include polydipsia, polyphagia, polyuria and unintentional weight loss, whereas ocular-related symptoms of DM include blurred and fluctuating vision, night blindness as well as flashes and floaters.[3]
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