Diabetic retinopathy (DR) remains a major cause of visual impairment in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), particularly in patients with coexisting hypertension. A retrospective follow-up study published in Scientific Reports evaluated the incidence and predictors of DR among adults with T2DM and hypertension receiving care at Debre Markos Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital in Ethiopia.
The analysis included 600 adults with T2DM and hypertension followed between June 2014 and July 2023, with a median follow-up duration of 85.2 months. The study assessed predictors associated with incident DR using parametric survival models, with the Weibull model selected based on model fit criteria.
Findings
- The incidence density of DR was 5.16 per 1,000 person-months (95% CI, 4.33-6.14).
- Poor glycemic control was associated with higher DR hazard (AHR 1.87; 95% CI, 1.66-2.31).
- Obesity was associated with increased DR risk (AHR 2.04; 95% CI, 1.63-2.71).
- Elevated HbA1c levels were linked to higher DR hazard (AHR 1.88; 95% CI, 1.42-2.71).
- Family history of diabetes was associated with increased DR risk (AHR 2.12; 95% CI, 1.16-4.11).
- Age 60 years or older was associated with higher DR hazard (AHR 1.51; 95% CI, 1.09-2.12).
- Injection medication use (AHR 0.24; 95% CI, 0.18-0.31) and diabetes treatment duration of at least 6 years (AHR 0.30; 95% CI, 0.15-0.65) were associated with lower DR hazard.
The findings indicate a substantial burden of DR among adults with T2DM and hypertension, particularly in patients with poor glycemic control, obesity, and older age. Regular retinal screening may be especially important in individuals with multiple metabolic risk factors.
