Fasting Plasma Glucose and Glycated Hemoglobin in the Prediction of Diabetic Retinopathy in a Rural Population

Abstract

The presence of Diabetic Retinopathy is the best criterion from which to compare glycemic measures because it is a specific and early clinical complication of diabetes. The aim of this study was to assess the significance of fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c values in predicting retinopathy among Type 2 diabetics. 200 Type 2 diabetic patients were examined for presence of diabetic retinopathy. Out of these patients, 135 were negative for retinopathy (controls) and 65 were positive for retinopathy (cases). Of the study participants, 83% belonged to age group 41- 70 years. 55% of cases and 43% of controls were females. Diabetic Retinopathy was significantly associated with HbA1c values with a cut off of 7.0% between the cases and controls, with a higher HbA1c in cases than controls (chi square value = 14.35, df = 1, p=.000, Odds Ratio=4.46, 95% Confidence interval=1.97-10.106). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) values with a cut off of 126 mg/dl (7mmol/l) did not show any significant difference in values among the cases and controls.