The Relationship between Pinguecula and Diabetes Mellitus: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Endocrinology
• Public Health

Background:

• Pinguecula is a common degenerative eye condition.
• Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a systemic disease with various ocular manifestations.
• The association between DM and pinguecula requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the relationship between diabetes mellitus and pinguecula prevalence.
• To identify other risk factors for pinguecula in Jordanian patients.

Main Methods:

• A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted with 241 patients (122 with DM, 119 without).
• Ophthalmic examinations and data collection on age, sex, occupation, pinguecula grade, HbA1c, and diabetic retinopathy were performed.
• Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in pinguecula prevalence was found between diabetic and non-diabetic groups (66.4% vs. 66.5%).
• Outdoor occupational activity was significantly associated with increased pinguecula prevalence (OR=5.16).
• Diabetes mellitus, age, and sex were not significantly associated with pinguecula.

Conclusions:

• Diabetes mellitus is not a significant risk factor for pinguecula in this Jordanian population.
• Occupational exposure to outdoor environments is a key risk factor for pinguecula development.