Prevalence and Risk Factors of Non-proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Taking Oral Antidiabetic Medications

Background: Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) is a significant complication of long-term diabetes in Sudan. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of diabetic retinopathy among Sudanese individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus who are taking oral antidiabetic medication.
Methods: This cross-sectional, facility-based study recruited 196 individuals with type 2 diabetes at the Jabir Abu Eliz Diabetes Health Center in Khartoum State. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, which patients filled out after providing informed consent. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Logistic regression was performed to predict factors associated with diabetic retinopathy.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 50.1 ± 10.7 years. The prevalence of NPDR was 78 (39.8%). Bivariate analysis revealed that age, education level, and residence (Pvalue < 0.05) were significantly associated with diabetic retinopathy. Additional factors that were significantly associated with diabetic retinopathy included the duration of diabetes, the presence of other comorbidities, HbA1c, and fasting blood glucose in 68 (87.2%) individuals (P-value < 0.05).
Conclusion: The study revealed a prevalence of 39.8% for NPDR in this cohort. A longer duration of diabetes and poor control are the primary risk factors for diabetic retinopathy in Sudan. Further research is necessary to determine whether intensifying therapy or administering insulin may reduce the prevalence of retinopathy.