Retinopathy Changes in a Patient with Anaemia&Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background Anaemia, a common complication, is more prevalent in persons with diabetes than in persons without diabetes. [1] Anaemia also develops earlier and is more severe in patients with diabetes than in patients with renal impairment from other causes. Anemia can hasten the progression of micro as well as macro-vascular complications of DM. Method A 42 year old patient presented with sudden diminution of vision in both eyes& generalized weakness. Ophthalmological examination showed reduced visual acuity ( CF at 2mt. in both eyes), conjunctival pallor& retinopathy changes in both eye on fundoscopy. Physician opinion sought& Patient was diagnosed as a case of type 2 diabetes mellitus (RBS 187 m/dl, HbA1c 7.5 %) and anaemia ( Hb 2.3gm/dl). Result Patient was treated for anaemia& type 2 DM& followed up frequently. With treatment his visual acuity improved to 6/6 by end of 3 months& retinal lesions also resolved over time. Conclusion Early diagnosis& timely intervention of anaemia would make a significant impact in managing the micro-vascular complications of DM such as diabetic retinopathy.