Diabetes and diabetic retinopathy in a Mexican American population - Proyecto VER

OBJECTIVES - The prevalence rate of diabetes is probably higher in Hispanic s than in Caucasians, although there is controversy about differences in th e risk of diabetic retinopathy. The purpose of the study is to determine th e prevalence rates of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy in a population-bas ed study of Hispanics aged greater than or equal to 40 years. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - Proyecto VER is a random sample of Hispanic p opulations aged greater than or equal to 40 years in Arizona. A total of 4, 774 individuals (71.6% of the eligible sample) completed the examinations. Diabetes was defined as self-report of a physician diagnosis or HbA(1c) val ue of greater than or equal to7.0%. Diabetic retinopathy was assessed on st ereo fundus photographs of fields 1, 2, and 4. RESULTS - The prevalence rate of diabetes in the Hispanic community (indivi duals greater than or equal to 40 years of age) was 22%. The prevalence rat e of diabetic retinopathy (DR) was 48%; 32% had moderate to severe nonproli ferative and proliferative retinopathy. DR increased with increasing durati on of diabetes and increasing level of HbA(1c). The prevalence rate of DR-l ike changes in the sample of individuals without diabetic retinopathy was 1 5% and was not associated with hypertension, systolic blood pressure, or di astolic blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS - The prevalence rate of diabetes in this population of Hispani cs is high, almost twice that of Caucasians. The prevalence rate of DR is h igh but similar to reports in a Caucasian population. The prevalence rate o f 9% moderate to severe retinopathy in the newly diagnosed group suggests t hat efforts to improve detection and treatment of diabetes in Hispanics may be warranted.