Severity of Diabetic Retinopathy Associated with HbA1c Level: A HospitalBased Study

Objectives: The present study was to evaluate the prevalence and assess the severity of diabetic retinopathy associated with HbA1C level in a tertiary care center, Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India. Methods: Ophthalmic evaluation comprises of measurement of best corrected visual acuity was recorded using Snellen chart for distant vision and near vision using Jaeger chat. A Goldman applanation tonometer was used to measure the intraocular pressure. Slit lamp bio microscopy was used to evaluate anterior segment. HbA1C level estimation was performed by withdrawing 3 ml of blood sample of patient’s peripheral vein collected and sent to the pathology laboratory. According to HbA1C level patient were grouped into good control, fair control and poor glycaemic control. Results: A total of 50 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were enrolled. Most of the cases 16(32%) were in age group of 46-55 years. Mean age of the cases was 52.45 ±12.65 years. Most of the cases 34(68%) were males. Mean duration of cases with type 2 diabetes mellitus was 13.12± 1.76 years. HbA1c level of 13(26%) patients had less than 7, 10(20%) had 7-8. And HbA1c level of most of the cases had greater than 8. out of 22 NPDR cases, 7 cases were with CSME and 15 were with without CSME. HbA1c concentration was significantly higher in the NPDR and PDR groups compared to the No DR group patient. Conclusions: Older age male patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus patients are preponderance to retinopathy. Increase level of HbA1C corresponds to a higher prevalence of diabetic retinopathy. And statistically significant association is seen between increase level of HbA1C and severity of retinopathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.