EFFECTS OF TIME DURATION AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT IN PATIENTS WITH STAGES OF DIABETIC RETINOPATHY: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) progression is influenced by diabetes duration and management factors. This study examined the effects of Diabetes duration, Medication, and Diet on DR stages. Methods: Data analysis tool SPSS version 26.0 was used to analyze data from 385 adults with diabetes (mean age 62; 63.9% female). Results: The Finding reveals in 385 diabetic patients (63.9% female, mean age 62.7 years) revealed that longer diabetes duration significantly predicted advanced retinopathy stages after applying Chi square test (p < 0.000) patients with 10-15 years’ duration predominantly had mild-moderate NPDR (94.0%), while those with 16-25 years showed severe NPDR in 62.4% of cases, and all patients with >25 years had severe NPDR. Despite high medication adherence (60.3% used combined oral/insulin therapy), dietary non-adherence was prevalent (60.3% overall) and after applying Chi square test strongly duration-linked (p < 0.000), peaking at 62.7% in the 10–15-years group. Conclusion: After applying Chi square test results and conclusion gets diabetes duration for more than 15 years substantially raises the risk of severe DR, while poor diet management continues through all phases. Start strong early Strictly follow medicines and eat healthy in the first 15 years of diabetes to slow down eye damage. Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) remains the leading cause of vision loss among adults with diabetes mellitus, with its progression strongly influenced by disease duration and management practices. Chronic hyperglycemia and associated vascular injury accelerate the transition from non-proliferative to proliferative stages, while treatment adherence and lifestyle modifications can modify this risk. Understanding the interaction of duration, medication, and diet with DR stages is essential for effective prevention and management. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of diabetes duration, medication use, and dietary adherence on the severity of diabetic retinopathy among adult patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the diabetes clinic of Gurki Teaching Hospital, Lahore, over a four-month period. A total of 385 type 2 diabetes patients aged 40–95 years with at least 10 years of disease history and confirmed DR were enrolled through non-probability convenience sampling. Exclusion criteria included type 1 diabetes, incomplete records, ocular trauma, or non-diabetic retinal disorders. Data on demographics, medication adherence, and diet compliance were collected through medical records and patient reports. Retinal imaging (OCT and fundus photography) classified DR severity as mild, moderate, or severe NPDR. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0, and associations were tested through chi-square analysis. Results: Among 385 patients, 63.9% were female and 36.1% male, with a mean age of 62.7 years (SD = 8.5). In the 10–15 year diabetes group, 94.0% exhibited mild to moderate NPDR, while 62.4% of those with 16–25 years had severe NPDR. All patients with more than 25 years of diabetes presented with severe NPDR (p < 0.000). Medication adherence was high, with 60.3% on combined oral and insulin therapy, but dietary non-adherence was widespread at 60.3%, most evident in the 10–15 year group (62.7%, p < 0.000). Conclusion: The study concludes that diabetes duration beyond 15 years is a critical predictor of severe retinopathy, while persistent dietary non-adherence worsens disease outcomes despite pharmacological intensification. Early and sustained adherence to both medical and dietary interventions during the first 15 years is vital to mitigate progression of vision-threatening DR.