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Original Article

Author(s): Siddiqi MH, Khan Y, Kadir A

PAH Med Col J. Jan 2025; 2(1): 9-12

Abstract

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus and a leading cause of vision loss globally. The rate of progression of DR may differ between individuals diagnosed at a younger age (young-onset diabetes mellitus, YODM) and those diagnosed later in life (late-onset diabetes mellitus, LODM).

Objective: To compare the progression patterns of DR in YODM and LODM patients, evaluating differences in severity, risk factors, and clinical outcomes.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed medical records of 400 patients (200 YODM, 200 LODM) diagnosed with diabetes for at least five years at the Vitreo Retina Department of the National Institute of Ophthalmology & Hospital, Dhaka, in 2017 and 2018.

Results: 45.0% of YODM patients had progressed to proliferative DR compared to 27.0% of LODM patients (p<0.001). Diabetic macular edema was observed in 38.0% of YODM cases versus 22.0% in LODM cases. YODM patients exhibited higher mean HbA1c levels (8.9±1.3%) than LODM patients (7.8±1.1%, p=0.015). LODM patients had a higher prevalence of hypertension and dyslipidemia, but despite more comorbidities, DR severity was lower in LODM.

Conclusion: DR progresses more aggressively in YODM patients despite similar diabetes duration when compared to LODM patients, driven primarily by prolonged hyperglycemic exposure and poorer metabolic control.

Keywords

Diabetic Retinopathy, Young-Onset Diabetes, Late-Onset Diabetes, Disease Progression, Vision Loss, Hyperglycemia

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How to cite: Siddiqi MH, Khan Y, Kadir A. Comparison of Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy among Young-Onset and Late-Onset Diabetes Mellitus. PAH Med Col J. Jan 2025; 2(1): 9-12.