Leading determinants of diabetic retinopathy in geriatric practice

The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) Is steadily growing not only due to an Increase In the proportion of geriatric patients In the general population, but also due to a rise In the Incidence of type 2 diabetes mellltus (T2DM). However, the determinants of DR In geriatric patients with T2DM have not been adequately investigated and they are contradictory. Objective. To analyze the determinants of DR In geriatric patients with T2DM. Subjects and methods. The Investigation enrolled 356 patients aged 60-80years with T2DM, who were divided Into a study group of 182 patients with DR and T2DM and a control group of 174 patients with T2DM without DR. The patients of both groups were examined according to a unique procedure (a survey, determination of laboratory and instmmental parameters). Results. The clinical determinants favoring the development of DR more commonly included mlcrovascular complications of T2DM, elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP), and a hemoglobin level <100 g/L In the study group. Thus, there were mlcrovascular complications in 46.9+3.7% of the patients In the study group and 9.2+2.2% of those In the control group; SBP >140 mm Hg in 40.1+3.6 and 10.5+2.3%, DBP >90 mm Hg In 54.2+3.7 and 22.6+3.2%, and a hemoglobin level of <100 g/L In 31.6+3.5 and 8.4+2.1%, respectively. Among the behavioral determinants of DR, alcohol abuse was most frequent In 162+2.7 and 4.1+1.6%, respectively. Conclusion. The findings can be used in DR screening and prevention in geriatric patients.