Improving Diabetes Care in Bangladesh by Adding Vision Health Recommendations for Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether integrating vision care into diabetes treatment can improve health outcomes for people with diabetes and diabetic retinopathy DR. The study focuses on whether providing diabetes doctors with specific diabetes management recommendations alongside positive eye exam results leads to better blood sugar control, as measured by the proportion of participants reaching World Health Organization WHO targets for HbA1c or blood sugar levels. This trial also assesses the cost-effectiveness of this approach compared to standard care. Participants are randomized into two groups. One group receives only their diabetic retinopathy results sent to their diabetologist without specific care recommendations. The other group receives DR results plus tailored diabetes management recommendations based on international guidelines, prompting doctors to adjust medications if needed. The intervention targets optimizing blood sugar, blood pressure, and lipid control for patients with any DR. The study lasts from enrollment until a chart review three months later. During the study, researchers review medical charts to measure how many participants reach the WHO blood sugar targets. They also evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the intervention by calculating the total cost per additional patient meeting these targets. Participants are monitored for adherence to care recommendations, and the study includes safety checks to ensure participants can comply with retinal photography and follow-up visits. The total participation duration is approximately three months from enrollment to chart review.

Improving Patient-centered Care for Diabetes in Bangladesh Through "Dynamic Integration" of Vision Care on the Supply Side