Skip to main navigation menu Skip to main content Skip to site footer

TYPE 2 DIABETES AND RETINOPATHY: EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND PREVENTION STRATEGIES

Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common and severe microvascular complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), leading to vision impairment and blindness if left untreated. Early detection and preventive strategies are essential to reduce the burden of DR and improve patient outcomes. This study reviews current approaches for early diagnosis, including fundus photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fluorescein angiography, as well as preventive interventions such as tight glycemic control, blood pressure and lipid management, lifestyle modification, and patient education. Findings indicate that combined strategies integrating early screening, metabolic control, and lifestyle interventions are the most effective in reducing DR incidence and progression. Multidisciplinary care and patient adherence are crucial for sustained prevention and improved quality of life among individuals with T2DM.

Keywords

Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Diabetic retinopathy, Early diagnosis, Prevention strategies, Glycemic control, Lifestyle intervention, Screening, Multidisciplinary care

PDF

References

  1. American Diabetes Association. Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2025. Diabetes Care. 2025;48(Suppl.1):S1–S210.
  2. Yau JW, Rogers SL, Kawasaki R, et al. Global prevalence and major risk factors of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes Care. 2012;35:556–564.
  3. Cheung N, Mitchell P, Wong TY. Diabetic retinopathy. Lancet. 2010;376:124–136.
  4. Zhang X, et al. Prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in the United States, 2005–2008. JAMA. 2010;304:649–656.
  5. Klein R, Klein BE. The epidemiology of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes Care. 1997;20:954–965.
  6. Aiello LP. Perspectives on diabetic retinopathy. Am J Ophthalmol. 2003;136:122–135.
  7. Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study Research Group. ETDRS report on fundus photographic assessment. Ophthalmology. 1991;98:786–806.
  8. Scanlon PH. The English national screening programme for diabetic retinopathy 2003–2016. Acta Diabetol. 2017;54:515–525.
  9. Silva PS, Cavallerano JD, Aiello LM. Screening for diabetic retinopathy using digital imaging technology. Curr Diab Rep. 2009;9:437–442.
  10. Stratton IM, et al. Association of glycaemia with macrovascular and microvascular complications of type 2 diabetes (UKPDS 35). BMJ. 2000;321:405–412.
  11. UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) Group. Intensive blood-glucose control with sulphonylureas or insulin compared with conventional treatment and risk of complications in patients with type 2 diabetes. Lancet. 1998;352:837–853.
  12. DCCT Research Group. The effect of intensive diabetes treatment on the development and progression of long-term complications in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. N Engl J Med. 1993;329:977–986.
  13. Sivaprasad S, et al. Multidisciplinary approach to diabetic retinopathy management. Eye (Lond). 2012;26:1077–1085.
  14. Chew EY, et al. The effects of lipid-lowering therapy on diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes Care. 2010;33:2315–2321.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.