Correlation between Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The two most common complications of diabetes mellitus are retinopathy and neuropathy which are dealt by two different medical departments. Early detection and management are therefore necessary to prevent progression of these two diseases and will give a knowledgeable idea regarding the both. Thus, this study was done to know the association of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: This was a cross sectional study comprised of 200 cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus selected from the ophthalmology department and referred cases from other departments. A thorough history and examination was done in both departments, that is, complete ophthalmic and neurological examination respectively. Relevant investigations, if needed, were done and diabetic retinopathy was classified according to ETDRS classification. RESULTS: Of the 200 patients having type 2 diabetes for more than 5 years, 28% of cases had diabetic retinopathy and 59% of cases had peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy was twice more common than retinopathy. 33.1% had retinopathy and 65.46% had peripheral neuropathy among the uncontrolled diabetics. The prevalence of retinopathy increased 1.3 times in patients with neuropathy (16%) than in patients without peripheral neuropathy (12%). CONCLUSION: As there was higher incidence of peripheral neuropathy, it is important as ophthalmologists to look for peripheral neuropathy in diabetics which will help in reducing diabetes-related morbidities.