Evaluation of the Relationship between Hemoglobin A1c and Diabetic Retinopathy in Patients with Type Ⅱ Diabetes at Tishreen University Hospital- Latakia- Syria

Background: Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) may be a common and specific microvascular complication of diabetes leading to blindness in working-aged people. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) has an important role in diagnosing diabetes, but the assessment of its role in Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is still unclear. Objective: This study aims to determine the prevalence of Diabetic retinopathy in Tishreen University Hospital- Latakia-Syria and evaluate its association with HbA1c. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on patients in the ophthalmic clinic of Tishreen University Hospital from May 2020 to December 2021. Results: The total number of diabetic patients in the current study was 222, 190 of them with type Ⅱ and 32 with type Ⅰ. Of 190 patients, 99 were males and 91 were females. The mean age of them was 64.46± 8.29 years, with a range (of 27-82) years. Of 222 patients, the prevalence of DR was 72.97%. As for the relationship between HbA1c levels and DR, a statistically significant association was recorded between them (p<0.001). Conclusion: It is important to control blood glucose and maintain HbA1c levels within the normal range. We recommend early diagnosis, treatment and prevention measures.