• Mst. Rashida Khatun
• Dr. Md. Manjur Hossain

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a systemic disease characterized by a chronic increase in blood glucose. Recently, it is a global burden due to its systemic complications that affect different parts of the body. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the world’s fastest growing chronic diseases and a leading cause of acquired vision loss. It is estimated that the total number of people with diabetes will double from 171 million in 2000 to 366 million by 2030. (WHO) Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major cause of avoidable blindness worldwide. People with Diabetic Retinopathy are 25 times more likely to become blind than non-diabetics. It has been estimated that one in four patients with Diabetes in Bangladesh could lose their eye sight due to Diabetic Retinopathy. The awareness of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications, especially diabetic retinopathy (DR), is the key to reducing their burden. This study aimed to assess both Awareness of Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy among Diabetic Patients and their action towards periodic eye exam. This observational cross-section study was conducted on 300 patients with DM who were visiting the four main hospitals in Bangladesh. The study was conducted using purposive random sampling technique. This study included both type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. It seems that good screening and prompt referral of diabetic patients for full-dilated ocular examinations, appropriate treatment and regular follow up examinations may significantly reduce blindness due to diabetic retinopathy.

"Awareness of Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy among Diabetic Patients, Bangladesh", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.8, Issue 10, page no.f195-f200, October-2021, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2110528.pdf

"Awareness of Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy among Diabetic Patients, Bangladesh", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.8, Issue 10, page no. ppf195-f200, October-2021, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2110528.pdf