WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Ammar Musameh Ali*, Ammar Fawzi Jabbar and Ammar Fadhil Ibrahem

ABSTRACT

Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a leading cause of illness and mortality worldwide, reducing quality oflife and straining healthcare systems. The International Diabetes Federation estimates that Type 2 DiabetesMellitus (T2DM) will rise from 366 million in 2011 to 552 million by 2030, mostly due to rising obesity rates andurbanization. The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy and its relation tovarious determinants in type 2 diabetic patients. Method: This cross-sectional study was done on 150 (Male:Female 78:72, Mean age: 56.8±8.6 years) type 2 diabetic patients attending the National Diabetes Center/ ALMustansiriyauniversity/ Baghdad. The subjects were directly interviewed by the researcher using a questionnaireto capture information on demographics, type 2 diabetes and diabetic retinopathy related characteristics. Relevantbiochemical examinations fasting plasma glucose and lipid profile, along with detailed ophthalmoscopyexamination for retinopathy by slit lamp bio microscopy were done for all patients. Results: A total of 22 patients(14.67%) had evidence of retinopathy. This comprised of 17 patients (11.33%) of background DR, 3 (2%) ofpatients had proliferative retinopathy and 2 of patients (1.34%) with advanced eye disease. Logistic regressionanalysis showed that duration of diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and medical history of ischemic heartdisease had significant statistical association with occurrence of diabetic retinopathy. Conclusion: A collaborativemultidisciplinary teamwork to ensure optimal control of modifiable risk factors, annually dilated eye examinationsand regular follow up and access to eye care services at low cost represent the corner stone to prevent and delayprogression of the disease.