Association of Monocyte Count to HDL Cholesterol Ratio with Diabetic Retinopathy - A Prospective Observational Study

Background Diabetic retinopathy DR is a leading cause of visual impairment with inflammation playing a key role in its progression. Monocytes contribute to inflammatory responses while high-density lipoprotein HDL exerts protective anti-inflammatory effects. The monocyte-to-HDL ratio MHR has emerged as a potential inflammatory marker. This study investigates MHRs diagnostic value and role in diabetic retinopathy detection.Methods This study includes individuals aged 18 years or older diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus DM for at least five years with an HbA1c level above 6.5. The control group consists of individuals aged 18 and above who visited the outpatient clinic for various eye conditions but do not have diabetes. Participants were categorized into three groups based on fundoscopic examination proliferative non-proliferative and no DR. Data were systematically documented using the hospital information system.Results The study included 100 participants 35 with non-proliferative DR 43 with proliferative DR and 22 without DR. There were 46 males 46 and 54 females 54 with a mean age of 66.35 plusmn 11.3 years range 19-96. A significant difference in MHR was observed between the DR and non-DR groups P 0.046 One-way ANOVA. Post hoc Tukeyrsquos HSD test showed an essential difference between the proliferative DR and non-DR groups P 0.040 but not between the non-proliferative DR and non-DR groups P 0.125.Conclusion The diagnostic capacity of MHR for diabetic retinopathy particularly the proliferative variant is significant.