Question
In maturity onset diabetes mellitus, screening for diabetic retinopathy should be done at:
| A. |
Immediately
|
| B. |
After 5 years
|
| C. |
After 10 years
|
| D. |
After 15 years
|
Show Answer
|
Correct Answer » A
Explanation
|
|
Diabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus and is a leading cause of preventable blindness.
In Type 2 diabetes mellitus (formerly called maturity-onset diabetes mellitus):
- The disease may remain asymptomatic for years before diagnosis.
- Therefore, retinopathy may already be present at the time diabetes is detected.
Hence: Screening should be done immediately at diagnosis.
Guidelines recommend:
- Initial dilated retinal examination at diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Reason:
- Hyperglycemia may have existed for several years before clinical diagnosis.
- Retinopathy may already be established.
