Impact of diabetes on visual acuity and its association with blood glucose levels in diabetic patients attending Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy is a known complication of Diabetes, underscoring the need for regular eye examinations and glycemic control. The aim of the study was to assess visual acuity (VA), and Fasting blood glucose (FBG) among diabetic patients at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital Kano. It was a cross-sectional observational study consisting of 60 participants; 30 Diabetic patients & 30 non-diabetic patients (controls), aged 30-60 years. Data was collected using questionnaire and FBG measured using glucometer. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25, considering a p-value of <0.05 as statistically significant. Majority of the participants were aged 51-60, with most diabetics having the disease for 1-10 years. Diabetic patients exhibited severe visual impairment (VI) in both eyes, followed by moderate VI, contrasting with controls who mostly had normal VA. Significant differences were noted between controls and diabetics in terms of duration of diabetes (DOD), VA, and FBG, but not age. While no significant gender differences were found in age, VA, or DOD within diabetic and control groups. Female diabetics had slightly higher FBG levels than males. Also, a significant relationship was observed between DOD and VI in the right eye of diabetic patients. In conclusion, this study reveals that diabetic patients had a higher frequency and more severe VI compared to controls, with significantly elevated FBG. No significant differences in age, DOD, VA, or FBG levels between genders in both groups. However, the severity of VI increased with DOD in the right eye. This emphasizes the importance of regular eye examinations and improved glycemic control to minimize the risk of VI in diabetics.