Proportion, patterns and Factors Associated with Diabetic Macular Edema among Diabetes Type 2 Patients attending KCMC Hospital

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with DME and clinically significant macular edema (CSME) among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients attending Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) from August 2023 to June 2024. MethodsA hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 T2DM patients at KCMCs medical and ophthalmology outpatient departments. Data collected included sociol demographic characteristics, clinical history, ocular examinations (including OCT imaging), and biochemical parameters. CSME was defined according to Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) criteria. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA version 17. Chi-square tests determined prevalence, while modified Poisson regression identified associated risk factors (p<0.05). ResultsThe mean age was 63.4{+/-}11.1 years; 55.2% were male, and 63.3% were aged over 60. The prevalence of DME was 33.9%, with diffuse macular edema being the most common subtype (40.8%). Significant risk factors for DME included hypertension, elevated HbA1c, reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR), abnormal BMI, and longer DM duration. For CSME, elevated total cholesterol, hypertension, and BMI were independently associated. ConclusionDME affects one in three T2DM patients at KCMC and is strongly associated with modifiable cardio metabolic risk factors. Strengthening early detection and comprehensive diabetes management--including control of blood pressure, glucose, lipids, and body weight--is essential to reduce vision-threatening complications.