Controlling Complications in Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy Patients (NPDR)

Abstract

          Diabetic retinopathy is a change in microangiopathy caused by high blood sugar levels, leading to ischemic retina complication, vitreous hemorrhage, tractional retinal detachment which can result in visual loss and blindness. The factors that cause diabetic retinopathy include the duration of having diabetes, HbA1c level, hypertension and dyslipidemia. Therefore, guidelines have been developed to help control diabetic retinopathy in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). Promoting correct awareness and encouraging behavior modification among NPDR patients is essential for controlling diabetic retinopathy. This article discusses the risk factors for retinal abnormalities caused by diabetes, guidelines for preventing complications from diabetic retinopathy and strategies for controlling these complications. These include recommendations for changing eating behavior, exercise behavior and medication behavior according to the treatment plan.  By understanding the benefits of controlling diabetes-related complications and the negative effects of accumulated high blood sugar levels that exceed the threshold, NPDR patients can be motivated to practice the behavioral changes on their own in the long term until they become a daily routine and eventually permanent. Finally, they can effectively control complications from diabetic retinopathy and lead to an improved quality of life.