Prevalence and incidence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in the UK population of Gloucestershire. Issue 2 (28th June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Scanlon, Peter H.; Nevill, Clareece R.; Stratton, Irene M.; Maruti, Sonia S.; Massó‐González, Elvira L.; Sivaprasad, Sobha; Bailey, Clare; Ehrlich, Michael; Chong, Victor
• Is Part Of: Acta ophthalmologica. Volume 100:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: e560
• Page End: e570
• Publication Date: 2021-06-28
• Subjects: diabetic retinopathy -- epidemiology -- retinal screening -- imaging -- sight‐threatening diabetic retinopathy; Ophthalmology -- Periodicals; 617.7005
• DOI: 10.1111/aos.14927
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-375X

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: To estimate prevalence and incidence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in a UK region by severity between 2012 and 2016 and risk factors for progression to proliferative DR (PDR). Methods: Electronic medical records from people with diabetes (PWD) ≥18 years seen at the Gloucestershire Diabetic Eye Screening Programme (GDESP) and the hospital eye clinic were analysed (HEC). Prevalence and incidence of DR per 100 PWD (%) by calendar year, grade and diabetes type were estimated using log‐linear regression. Progression to PDR and associated risk factors were estimated using parametric survival analyses. Results: Across the study period, 35 873 PWD had at least one DR assessment. They were aged 66 (56–75) years (median (interquartile range)), 57% male, 5 (1–10) years since diabetes diagnosis, 93% Type 2 diabetes. Prevalence of DR decreased from 38.9% (95% CI: 38.1%, 39.8%) in 2012 to 36.6% (95% CI: 35.9%, 37.3%) in 2016 (p < 0.001). Incidence of any DR decreased from 10.9% (95% CI: 10.4%, 11.5%) in 2013 to 8.5% (95% CI: 8.1%, 9.0%) in 2016 (p < 0.001). Prevalence of PDR decreased from 3.5% (95% CI: 3.3%, 3.8%) in 2012 to 3.1% (95% CI 2.9%, 3.3%) in 2016 (p = 0.008). Incidence of PDR did not change over time. HbA1c and bilateral moderate–severe NPDR were statistically significant risk factors associated with progression to PDR. Conclusions: Incidence and prevalence of DR decreased between 2012 and 2016 in this well‐characterized population of the UK.