DIABETIC RETINOPATHY: SOCIAL SIGNIFICANCE, RISK FACTORS, AND RELATIONSHIP WITH THE DURATION OF DIABETES MELLITUS.

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common and severe complications of diabetes mellitus, significantly impairing the quality of life of patients and increasing the risk of disability. The duration of the disease and the level of glycemic control play a key role in its development and progression, which emphasizes the need for early diagnosis and effective preventive measures. Diabetes mellitus, being one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, leads to damage to various organs and the development of serious complications, among which diabetic retinopathy occupies a special place. This specific ophthalmological complication remains one of the main causes of vision loss in adults, and in the absence of timely treatment can lead to complete blindness. According to epidemiological studies, diabetic retinopathy is detected in every third patient with diabetes mellitus and is the leading cause of blindness among the working-age population, which underlines its importance as one of the main problems of modern endocrinology and ophthalmology.. The purpose of the study. to review the domestic and foreign literature reflecting the social significance of diabetic retinopathy, as well as its relationship with the duration of diabetes mellitus and insufficient glycemic control Materials and methods. The data of domestic and foreign scientific literature are used. Research methods: monographic, analytical. The results of the study. An increase in the incidence of diabetes mellitus leads to an increase in the frequency of its complications, among which diabetic retinopathy is one of the main causes of blindness among the able-bodied population. Studies confirm that the key risk factors for its development are the duration of diabetes, the level of glycemic control and the presence of concomitant diseases such as hypertension and dyslipidemia. Statistical data indicate an increase in the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy, which underscores the need for timely screening and an individualized approach to the management of patients with diabetes mellitus. Regular ophthalmological examination and maintaining stable blood glucose levels can reduce the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy and prevent its severe consequences.. Discussion. The analysis of the presented data indicates the high importance of diabetic retinopathy as one of the most severe complications of diabetes mellitus, which emphasizes the need for early diagnosis and timely intervention. The results obtained confirm the key role of the duration of diabetes, the level of glycemic control and concomitant risk factors in the progression of the disease, and also demonstrate the effectiveness of an integrated approach to its prevention.