Aim: Prevalence and comparison of retinopathy and sensorineural hearing loss in poorly managed diabetics

Methodology: A cross sectional study was designed with the approval of the Ethical Review Board Committee. The study enrolled 50 people who met the inclusion criteria. Anthropometric data were collected using standardized procedures. All laboratory assays were performed on the initial visit to the diabetes research center's laboratory. Tuning fork and PTA examinations of the ears were performed. The scores of Rinne and Weber were recorded and synchronised. Fundoscopy was used in ophthalmic investigations.

Results: The Rinne test was found to be normal in 50(100%) cases of population while Weber’s test was centralized in 43(86%) of patients, 1(2%) case was lateralized to right, 5(10%)cases were lateralized to left, 1(2%) case had moderate disease. PTA scores revealed mild disease in 1(2%), moderate 14(28%), severe 1(2%) and 34(68%) patients showed normal results. Fundoscopy demonstrated normal results in 11(22%), Grade 1 retinopathy in 15(30%), grade 2 RP in 17(34%) and grade 3 RP in 7(14%).

Conclusion: Retinopathy is more prevalent with poorly managed diabetic individuals in contrast to hearing impairment.

Key words: Retinopathy, Fundoscopy, Diabetes mellitus