Retinal Complications and Serum Albumin Levels in Type 2 Diabetes Patients at Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Serum albumin, a crucial monomeric protein plays a vital role in physiological functions. Low serum albumin may increase inflammatory responses and oxidative stress posing a significant risk for diabetic retinopathy. This medical investigation at Jos University Teaching Hospital examined how blood protein levels relate to vision complications in Nigerian adults living with type 2 diabetes. This cross-sectional study collected data via questionnaires from August to September 2024. Serum albumin levels were measured photometrically, and participants underwent visual acuity tests and ophthalmoscopy. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27. A total of 77 patients participated in the study, 32 diabetic retinopathies and 45 non-diabetic retinopathies. The mean Serum albumin level for participants with diabetic retinopathy was 40.86 ± 4.45 g/L, while for those without diabetic retinopathy was 43.44 ± 2.64 g/L. A significant association was observed between albumin levels and the presence of diabetic retinopathy (p=0.002). 13(40.6%) of the diabetic retinopathy patients had type 2- diabetes mellitus for ≤ 10 years while, 19(59.4%) time since diabetes mellitus diagnosis was >10 years. Diabetic retinopathy was present in 32/77 (41.6. %) of the participants. The study shows significant association in relation to blood albumin concentrations and the presence of diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus after data analysis was done. Regular evaluation of patients living with diabetes for diabetic retinopathy will aid early diagnosis, treatment, and consequently prevent vision loss.
Language: English
Subfield: Ophthalmology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7214796752