18^th European Ophthalmology Congress

Biography

Biography: Anna Praidou

Abstract

Statement of the Problem: Physical inactivity, along with hypertension, obesity, smoking, and hyperglycaemia are considered as potential risk factors for diabetic disease. A prospective study was conducted to investigate if any correlation between levels of physical inactivity and severity of diabetic retinopathy. Methodology and Theoretical Orientation: Patients with diabetes type 2 (patients with moderate and patients with severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy) were compared with non-diabetic patients. Physical activity of patients was assessed by the international physical activity questionnaire. Levels of HbA1c and BMI were also recorded in diabetics. Comparisons between all four groups were attempted for levels of physical activity. Findings: Physical activity was decreased significantly in patients with severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and proliferative diabetic retinopathy as compared to patients with moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and to the control group. Significant negative correlation was detected between HbA1c levels, BMI, the severity of diabetic retinopathy and physical activity. Conclusion & Significance: Physical inactivity is associated with more severe levels of diabetic retinopathy.