Occurrence of Diabetic Retinopathy among the Newly Diagnosed Patients of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Out Patient Department of Combined Military Hospital, Savar

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the commonest microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus and an important cause of preventable blindness worldwide. Early diagnosis of DR in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients helps in timely intervention to halt further progression of DR. Objective: To determine the occurrence of diabetic retinopathy and its associated risk factors among the newly diagnosed T2DM patients attending the Outpatient Department (OPD) of Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Savar. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at CMH Savar over a six months period. A total of 154 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (diagnosed within the last 6 months) aged between 30–70 years were included. Detailed demographic, clinical and biochemical data were recorded. Fundoscopic examination using direct ophthalmoscopy and by (+90D lens) slit-lamp biomicroscopy was performed to identify diabetic retinopathy, graded according to the classification of Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS). Results: Among the 154 participants, 92(59.7%) were males and 62(40.3%) females, with mean age of 51.7±9.8 years. The overall occurrence of DR was 18.1% (28/154). Among them, non- proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) was 9.1% (14/154), pre-proliferative DR was 5.8% (9/154) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) was 3.2% (5/154). Occurrence was significantly higher in patients aged ≥50 years in comparison to that of aged <50 years (p<0.05). Patients with hypertension and higher HbA1c (>8.0%) had a greater risk of DR. Conclusion: The occurrence of DR among newly diagnosed T2DM patients in CMH Savar is remarkable (18.1%) and it emphasizing the necessity of routine retinal screening at the time of diagnosis. Early detection and strict glycemic control are essential to reduce the burden of retinopathy leading to threat of vision. JAFMC Bangladesh, Vol-22, No-1, June 2026: 42-45