Prevalence and risk factors associated with diabetic retinopathy: a cross-sectional study in northern Xinjiang

To assess the prevalence and risk factors of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in northern Xinjiang. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was performed on patients above 20 years old who were enrolled in chronic diabetes management in six areas of northern Xinjiang. All subjects received a standardized questionnaire interview of baseline characteristics. Fundus photographs were captured and reviewed by optometrists and ophthalmologists using DR grading software to determine the diagnosis and severity of DR according to the UK guidelines. A total of 3253 patients with diabetes were surveyed, among whom 2972 subjects with graded fundus photographs. The age-standardized prevalence of DR was 17.9% and vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy (VTDR) was 8.7%. In the binary logistic regression model, younger age, male gender, longer duration of diabetes, higher fasting blood glucose, hypertension, and treatment methods (insulin use compared to diet only) were independent risk factors for DR. These risk factors were associated with VTDR except the male gender. The prevalence of DR and VTDR in diabetic patients in northern Xinjiang was 17.9% and 8.7%, respectively. The younger age, male gender, higher fasting blood glucose, hypertension, and insulin use were the main risk factors for DR.