Type 2 diabetes and diabetic retinopathy in Finland during 2000-2017 based on nationwide survey and register data.
Diabetic retinopathy incidence among type 2 diabetes patients fell sharply from 2000 to 2017.
Type 2 diabetes and diabetic retinopathy in Finland during 2000-2017 based on nationwide survey and register data.
To evaluate changes in the prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes, the association between type 2 diabetes and diabetic retinopathy (diabetic retinopathy), and the impact of type 2 diabetes and diabetic retinopathy on visual acuity (visual acuity) in Finland during 2000-2017.
We used three nationwide health examination surveys conducted in 2000, 2011 and 2017, with a total of 18 966 participants representing the Finnish population aged 18 years and older.
eye exams for diabetes patients found far fewer cases of retinal damage
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes increased from 2.6% to 9.6% between 2000 and 2017, while its annual incidence increased from 0.5% to 0.7%.
Both distance and near visual acuity were the best among individuals without diabetes, significantly worse among type 2 diabetes patients without diabetic retinopathy, and the worst among type 2 diabetes patients with diabetic retinopathy.
Both distance and near VAs significantly improved between 2000 and 2017 in these study groups.
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes has increased during the 2000s, which can be explained by the improved screening and unfavourable changes in lifestyle.
However, the incidence of diabetic retinopathy has decreased among type 2 diabetes patients, indicating the successful development and effectiveness of screening and therapies for both diabetes and diabetic retinopathy.