[Regional Disparities in the Prevalence of Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy in Hungary in People Aged 50 Years and Older]

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the main causes of blindness among persons aged 50 years and older.

Aim: The purpose of our survey was to estimate the prevalence of DM and diabetic retinopathy (DR), as well as to assess the coverage of diabetic eye care services in different regions of Hungary.

Method: In 105 clusters, 3675 people aged 50 years and older were included in the survey. The standardized rapid assessment of avoidable blindness (RAAB) with the diabetic retinopathy module (DRM) was used to examine the participants. Thereafter, differences between West-, Middle- and East-Hungary were analysed.

Results: Prevalence of DM was higher in East-Hungary (20.9%), than in West- (19.5%) and in Middle-Hungary (19.5%). Prevalence od DR was higher in West-Hungary (24.1%), than in Middle- (17.8%) and in East-Hungary (19.6%). Proportion of participants who never had a fundus examination for DR was the lowest in Middle-Hungary (19.1%).

Conclusions: Primary care should be strenghten mainly in country settlements or telemedical eye screening program should be started to decrease the prevalence of diabetic eye complications. Orv. Hetil., 2017, 158(10), 362-367.