Knowledge, awareness, and clinical practice of ophthalmologists regarding HbA1c estimation in diabetic patients in Andhra Pradesh

Background: Ophthalmologists routinely work with diabetes patients and assist in providing comprehensive care in general and ocular disorders like diabetic retinopathy, and therefore, they need to be knowledgeable about the concepts of HbA1c and its significance. Aim: To evaluate the awareness and prevailing clinical practices of ophthalmologists about HbA1c (glycosylated hemoglobin) estimation of their diabetic patients. Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Alluri Sitaramaraju Academy of Medical Sciences, Malkapuram, Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, India-534005. Methods and Materials: It was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study, study tool was a validated questionnaire containing ten questions about the normal, and abnormal value of HbA1c, clinical significance, an association of HbA1c with diabetic retinopathy and other co-morbid conditions to evaluate knowledge, awareness, and clinical practice of ophthalmologist in state of Andhra Pradesh of south India. Statistical Analysis: All data were analyzed by using a Microsoft Excel sheet. Results: 65% of all ophthalmologists correctly recommended to all diabetic patients, and 79.7% chose that no preparation is needed before testing Hba1c. 90.6% chose 8–12 weeks as the average duration of Hba1c, 54.6% chose 5.6–6.5%, and 43.80% chose 4–5.6% as the normal range of Hba1c. 46.9% chose <6.5% as good glycemic control, 100% agreed higher the Hba1c value higher the complications, 56.3% advised Hba1c for every 3 months, and 42.2% (6 months). 46.9% chose option b (25%), 79.7% chose all co-existent diseases (anemia, dyslipidemia, and nephropathy), and 71.9% chose diabetes control and complications trial. Conclusion: Ophthalmologists in Andhra Pradesh need to be more enlightened about HbA1c and its significance to prevent diabetic patients from permanently losing their vision.