Risk Factors Associated with Diabetic Retinopathy among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Diabetic retinopathy remains a leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide, with a disproportionately higher burden in low- and middle-income countries. Identifying modifiable risk factors is essential for early detection and timely intervention. Objective: To identify the risk factors associated with diabetic retinopathy among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh. Methods Materials: This prospective cohort study enrolled 63 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus via purposive sampling at the Department of Ophthalmology, Chattogram Maa-O-Shishu Hospital, Chattogram, Bangladesh, from January to December 2024. All participants underwent comprehensive ocular examination, including dilated fundoscopy. Demographic, clinical, and biochemical data were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Results: Among 63 patients, diabetic retinopathy was present in 20 (31.7%). Significant risk factors included longer duration of diabetes (p=0.001), poor glycemic control (HbA1c >7.0%) (p=0.003), hypertension (p=0.012), and dyslipidemia (p=0.021). Age and sex showed no significant association. Multivariate analysis identified diabetes duration and HbA1c as independent predictors. Conclusion: Longer diabetes duration and poor glycemic control are the most significant modifiable risk factors for diabetic retinopathy in this Bangladeshi cohort. Regular screening and strict glycemic control remain cornerstone strategies for preventing vision loss.