THE ROLE OF HBA1C AS A PREDICTIVE BIOMARKER FOR DIABETIC RETINOPATHY SEVERITY AND PROGRESSION

Abstract

Objective:

This paper confers to find out how the levels of HbA1c are associated with the severity and prognosis of diabetic retinopathy (DR) among diabetics. In particular, we test the possibility that HbA1c could be used as a predictive biomarker to determine DR severity supported by clinicians in keeping track of those participants who are more likely to progress to more severe stages of retinopathy.

Study design:

 It was a cross-sectional study carried out in a clinical set up where data of 200 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes was analyzed.

Method:

 The level of HbA1c was determined, and patients were subjected to retinal imaging to ascertain the presence and the extent of DR. The association between levels of HbA1c and the severity of DR was determined by statistical thinking (such as correlation coefficients and regression models).

Results

There was a considerable positive correlation between high levels of HbA1c and DR severity. Greater levels of HbA1c were related to severe development of retinopathy and poor glycemic control predisposed patients to rapid development of the condition.

Conclusion:

 HbA1c may be regarded as predictive biomarkers of DR severity and progression, which can be helpful in early identification and treatment of diabetic retinopathy among diabetic patients.
Keywords:

HbA1c, Diabetic Retinopathy, Glycemic Control, Biomarker, Diabetes, Retinal Imaging, Disease Progression.