DIABETES - WHY SO MANY SEVERE DIABETIC RE TINOPATHIES ARE DIAGNOSED LATE

Purpose The aim of this study is to ascertain the reasons of the late diagnosis of severe diabetic retinopathies. Methods We analysed 30 dia betic patients seen at the initial examination with severe diabetic re tinopathies, including risk factors of diabetes, quality of maintenanc e of a metabolic balance in blood sugar levels and examination of the fundus. Results Sixteen diabetic patients (53 %) had Mo examination of the fundus from the onset of diabetes I 100 % were over-weighted of m ore than 15 %; 100 % had Mo strict metabolic control of blood sugar le vels; 90 % had high blood pressure; 60 % had familial diabetes. Conclu sion The prevention of late diagnosis of severe diabetic retinopathies must be based on the prevention of diabetes : examination and treatme nt of patients with high risk factors of diabetes. The prevention of d iabetic retinopathy relies on the maintenance of a strict metabolic ba lance in blood sugar levels and required examination of the fundus eve ry year.