Abstract

Background & Objective:- Uncontrolled hyperglycemia has been recognized to be associated with higher incidence of microvascular complications like retinopathy and nephropathy in Type II diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to find the effect of glycemic control on the presence of retinopathy and microalbuminuria in Type II diabetics and the relationship between microalbuminuria and retinopathy. Materials & Mehod:- The study group comprised of 60 Type II diabetes mellitus patients within the age group of 40-60 years. They were further divided into two subgroups:- group 1 (n=30) HbA1c<7%-Controlled Diabetic Group, group 2 (n=30) HbA1c>7%-Uncontrolled Diabetic Group and 30 age-matched normal individuals, used as the Control Group, HbA1c<6%. After thorough examination of the subjects the following tests were done in study and control groups:- 1) Glycosylated Hemoglobin, 2) Microalbuminuria and 3) Retinopathy was detected and graded with the help of ophthalmologist. Statistics:- The results obtained were treated statistically by One-way ANOVA and chi-square test between the groups. Results:- Uncontrolled diabetics with poor glycemic control (HbA1c>7%) showed higher incidence of microalbuminuria (53.33%) & retinopathy (43.33%) when compared to controlled diabetics [microalbuminuria (23.33%) & retinopathy (10%)] with good glycemic control (HbA1c<7%). There was a significant association of retinopathy with microalbuminuria (p<0.05). Conclusion:- Uncontrolled hyperglycemia is associated with higher incidence of microvascular complications like retinopathy and nephropathy in diabetes. Microalbuminuria is associated with diabetic retinopathy in Type II diabetic patients and is a reliable predictor of retinopathy. Diabetic patients who have microalbuminuria should be under periodic ophthalmological surveillance for prevention of retinopathy by stringent glycemic control.

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