Diabetic Retinopathy Affects 26% of Americans

Diabetic retinopathy is a common and potentially vision-threatening complication of diabetes. Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other institutions conducted a study in 2021 to estimate the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy among US residents with diabetes (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy in the US in 2021

Go to source). This article provides an overview of their findings and emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment. The researchers utilized data from various sources in the United States to create composite estimates of the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy. They analyzed population-based studies published after 2000 and applied prevalence estimates to 2021 US census data. The study also generated estimates at the county and state levels.

Prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy

The study revealed that in 2021, approximately 9.6 million people, accounting for 26.4% of US children and adults with diabetes, had diabetic retinopathy. The prevalence of this condition increased with age, reaching a peak before declining in the oldest age groups. Among individuals with diabetes, crude diabetic retinopathy prevalence rates varied by state, ranging from 20.8% in Nevada to 31.3% in Massachusetts.

Prevalence of Vision-Threatening Diabetic Retinopathy

The research estimated that 1.84 million people, constituting 5.1% of US children and adults with diabetes, had vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy in 2021. Vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy refers to a more severe stage of the condition that can lead to significant vision loss if left untreated.

The authors of the study emphasized the importance of preventing vision loss caused by diabetic retinopathy. They stressed that achieving long-term glycemic control and undergoing routine dilated eye examinations are crucial for the timely detection and treatment of diabetic retinopathy.

The following takeaways can guide healthcare professionals and individuals with diabetes:

• Regular Eye Examinations: Routine dilated eye examinations should be an integral part of diabetes management. Early detection allows for prompt intervention and better outcomes.
• Long-Term Glycemic Control: Maintaining stable blood glucose levels over time is essential in reducing the risk of diabetic retinopathy. Healthcare providers should work closely with individuals with diabetes to develop personalized glycemic control plans.
• Education and Awareness: Healthcare professionals should raise awareness about diabetic retinopathy among patients with diabetes, emphasizing the potential risks and the importance of regular eye screenings.
• Access to Healthcare Services: Efforts should be made to ensure that individuals with diabetes have access to healthcare services, including comprehensive eye care, regardless of their geographical location.

The study's findings shed light on the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy among individuals with diabetes in the United States. It serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection, long-term glycemic control, and regular eye examinations to prevent vision loss caused by this diabetes complication. By implementing these recommendations, healthcare professionals and individuals with diabetes can work together to mitigate the impact of diabetic retinopathy and preserve visual health.

Reference:

1. Prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy in the US in 2021 - (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/article-abstract/2806093)

Source-Medindia