ASSOCIATION BETWEEN GLYCOSYLATED HEMOGLOBIN (HBA1C), DURATION OF DIABETES AND SEVERITY OF DIABETIC RETINOPATHY IN TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUSPATIENTS ATTENDING A TERTIARY HEALTH CARE CENTER IN NORTHERN INDIA

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus, leading to visual impairment. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a marker of long-term glycemic control. Duration of diabetes is a major risk factor contributing to the development and progression of DR.This study explores the relationship between HbA1c levels and DR severity.Aim of the study: To assess the correlation between glycosylated duration of diabetes , hemoglobin (HbA1c) and the severity of DR in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 T2DM patients.Participants were stratified by the duration of diabetes into three groups: 5–10 years, 11–15 years, and >15 years. DR severity was graded into No DR, Mild NPDR, Moderate NPDR, Severe NPDR, and PDR based on fundus examination findings. Statistical analysis assessed the correlation between duration of diabetes and DR severity.Results: HbA1c levels showed a rising trend with increasing DR severity, ranging from 7.38% in mild NPDR to 10.60% in PDR. Of the 100 participants, 30% had diabetes for 5–10 years, 33% for 11–15 years, and 37% for >15 years. Mean duration of diabetes was 15.73 ± 6.41 years.The proportion of patients with PDR and Severe NPDR was significantly higher among those with diabetes duration >15 years (p<0.01).A clear trend was observed: DR severity increased with longer diabetes duration.Conclusion: The severity of diabetic retinopathy is strongly associated with longer duration of diabetes. Timely screening and glycemic control are essential to prevent vision-threatening DR in chronic diabetic patients.