Assessment of Awareness of Diabetic Retinopathy among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus- Cross-sectional Study from Central India

Purpose: To assess the awareness of diabetic retinopathy among Type 2 diabetes mellitus from central India. Method: A cross-sectional study involving 350 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus was conducted between August 2022 and January 2023. Participants completed a 21-point questionnaire on diabetic retinopathy awareness and knowledge. Results were expressed in frequencies and percentages. Results: 54.3% (190 participants) had awareness about diabetic retinopathy. Education significantly influenced awareness, with 72% of educated participants showing higher awareness. 66% of urban residents were more aware than 47.1% of rural residents. No significant gender difference was observed. Younger participants demonstrated better awareness (63.9%) than older individuals (17.3%). Conclusion: About 54.2% of the participants were aware of Diabetic Retinopathy (DR). Younger patients, patients from urban areas and the group with a higher level of education were found to be more aware of DR. Effective health education and regular eye screenings are essential to improve awareness about DR, aiding in its prevention and better disease management among individuals with type 2 diabetes.