Prevalence of Diabetic Macro and Microvascular Complications among Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy

Prevalence of Vascular Complications in Diabetic Retinopathy

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a major global health problem associated with both microvascular and macrovascular complications. Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a common microvascular complication, is increasingly recognized as a marker of systemic vascular damage and is strongly associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Methods: A hospital-based observational cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care center in Kolkata. A total of 63 adult patients with confirmed diabetic retinopathy were included. Macrovascular complications were assessed using carotid Doppler, lower limb arterial Doppler with ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI), and echocardiography. Microvascular complication was evaluated using the urine albumin–creatinine ratio (ACR). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and associations were tested using Chi-square/Fisher’s exact test. Results: The mean age of participants was 57.9 years, with an average diabetes duration of 10.8 years. A high burden of macrovascular abnormalities was observed, including increased carotid intima-media thickness (58.73%) and lower limb arterial atherosclerosis (58.73%). Peripheral arterial disease was evident in over half of the patients based on ABPI findings. Most patients had preserved systolic cardiac function, although early diastolic dysfunction was present. Microvascular involvement was significant, with all patients showing elevated urine ACR and 52.38% having macroalbuminuria. Poor glycemic control and longer disease duration were associated with increased complication burden. Conclusion: Patients with diabetic retinopathy exhibit a high prevalence of both macrovascular and microvascular complications. DR serves as an important clinical marker of systemic vascular disease. Early comprehensive screening and integrated management strategies are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality.