Retinal screening of patients with cystic fibrosis-related diabetes in Wales -- a real eye opener.

BACKGROUND

The National Screening Committee recommends annual retinal screening for all diabetic patients over the age of twelve years. Currently, patients on insulin therapy for Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes Mellitus (CFRD) at the All Wales Adult Cystic Fibrosis Service, UK are invited for annual screening.

METHODS

Age, sex, FEV(1)%, BMI, HbA1c, duration of diabetes, duration of insulin therapy, presence of retinopathy and attendance at retinal screening in 2012 were examined for patients on insulin therapy for CFRD.

RESULTS

67 of the 228 (29%) patients attending the CF centre were receiving insulin therapy. 24 of the 67 (36%) did not attend retinal screening in 2012. Of the 43 who had retinal scans, 18 (42%) had evidence of retinopathy. Patients with retinopathy had a higher mean HbA1c (p=0.04), mean duration of diabetes and mean duration on insulin (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Almost half of the patients screened had evidence of retinopathy but over a third of the patients with CFRD did not attend screening appointments. Improving patient uptake of retinal scans will become increasingly important in an ageing CF population.