[Diabetes: why so many diabetic retinopathies diagnosed in the stage of complications?].

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to ascertain the reasons of the late diagnosis of severe diabetic retinopathies.

METHODS

We analysed 30 diabetic patients seen at the initial examination with severe diabetic retinopathies, including risk factors of diabetes, quality of maintenance of a metabolic balance in blood sugar levels and examination of the fundus.

RESULTS

Sixteen diabetic patients (53%) had no examination of the fundus from the onset of diabetes; 100% were over-weighted of more than 15%; 100% had no strict metabolic control of blood sugar levels; 90% had high blood pressure; 60% had familial diabetes.

CONCLUSION

The prevention of late diagnosis of severe diabetic retinopathies must be based on the prevention of diabetes: examination and treatment of patients with high risk factors of diabetes. The prevention of diabetic retinopathy relies on the maintenance of a strict metabolic balance in blood sugar levels and required examination of the fundus every year.