A Comparative Cross-sectional study on the Fasting and Postprandial Lipid levels as a Risk factor for Retinopathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: The global prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) continues to rise, posing a significant public health challenge worldwide. Type 2 DM accounts for a substantial portion of this burden, characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, action, or both. Diabetic retinopathy, a microvascular complication of DM, is a leading cause of visual disability and blindness globally. Objective: To assess the relationship and importance between fasting dyslipidaemia vs postprandial dyslipidaemia as a risk factor for Diabetic retinopathy in these people. Methods: A study was conducted among diabetic patients in outpatient and inpatient units over 2 years. The sample size was determined based on the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy. Patients were recruited through purposive sampling. Demographic data were collected, fasting and 6-hour postprandial lipid levels were analysed. Ophthalmic evaluation was performed to assess diabetic retinopathy. Results: The study included 160 patients with a mean age of 56.66±8.16 years, with nearly equal gender distribution. Diabetic retinopathy was present in 18.8% of patients, with varying severity. There were significant associations between retinopathy and parameters such as random and postprandial blood glucose levels, HbA1c, and duration of DM. Additionally, There were significant differences in lipid profiles between patients with and without retinopathy, both in fasting and postprandial states. Conclusion: This study highlights the significant association between dyslipidaemia, particularly elevated triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, and the presence of retinopathy in patients with Type 2 DM. These findings show the importance of maintaining lower lipid levels for the prevention and management of diabetic retinopathy