Cost-Effective Strategies for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetic Retinopathy: A Comprehensive Review

Authors

  • Maduabuchukwu Innocent Nkollo Department of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Dennis Osadebay University, Anwai, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria Author
  • Nnaemeka Alvand Onwukwe Department of Optometry, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria Author
  • Edafe Oghenegangan Emurotu Department of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Dennis Osadebay University, Anwai, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria Author
  • Bobby Ikponmwosa Ebuehi Department of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Dennis Osadebay University, Anwai, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria Author
  • John Esimaje Moyegbone Department of Environmental and Public Health Optometry, Faculty of Optometry, University of Benin, Benin-City, Edo State, Nigeria Author
  • Prisca Onyema Department of Optometry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Bingham University, Karu, Nassarawa State, Nigeria Author
  • Anita Ayovunefe Department of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Dennis Osadebay University, Anwai, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria Author
  • Helen Omonigho Lucky-Udi Department of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Dennis Osadebay University, Anwai, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria Author
  • Ayodeji Ezekiel Ige Department of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria Author
  • Aghogho Odogu Department of Optometry, College of Medical and Health Sciences, Novena University, Ogume, Delta State, Nigeria Author
  • Franklin Ehigiator Kio Department of Optometry, College of Medical and Health Sciences, Novena University, Ogume, Delta State, Nigeria Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55578/amsr.2606.009

Keywords:

Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetic Retinopathy, Cost-Effectiveness, Retinal Screening, Teleophthalmology

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy represent major global public health challenges associated with significant morbidity, visual impairment, mortality, and economic burden. Diabetic retinopathy, a leading microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus, remains one of the primary causes of preventable blindness among working-age adults worldwide. The increasing prevalence of diabetes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, has intensified the need for cost-effective preventive and management strategies capable of reducing disease progression, healthcare expenditure, and visual disability. This review aimed to evaluate current cost-effective strategies employed in the prevention, screening, and management of diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy.

Relevant literature was obtained from electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and ResearchGate using keywords related to diabetes mellitus, diabetic retinopathy, cost-effectiveness, prevention, screening, teleophthalmology, and healthcare economics. Evidence from peer-reviewed articles, clinical trials, guidelines, and systematic reviews was critically analyzed.

Findings from the review indicate that preventive healthcare approaches such as lifestyle modification, glycaemic control, blood pressure and lipid management, patient education, and routine retinal screening significantly reduce the incidence and progression of diabetic retinopathy while lowering long-term healthcare costs. Technological innovations including teleophthalmology, artificial intelligence-assisted retinal screening, and portable retinal imaging systems have further improved accessibility, efficiency, and affordability of diabetic eye care services. Despite these advances, challenges such as poor awareness, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, high treatment costs, and limited specialist availability continue to affect effective disease management.

In conclusion, investment in preventive care, early detection, integrated healthcare delivery, and affordable screening technologies remains essential for reducing blindness, improving patient outcomes, and minimizing the economic burden associated with diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy.

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Published

2026-06-01

Data Availability Statement

Data used for this review is available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 2 (2026)

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Maduabuchukwu Innocent Nkollo, Nnaemeka Alvand Onwukwe, Edafe Oghenegangan Emurotu, Bobby Ikponmwosa Ebuehi, John Esimaje Moyegbone, Prisca Onyema, Anita Ayovunefe, Helen Omonigho Lucky-Udi, Ayodeji Ezekiel Ige, Aghogho Odogu, Franklin Ehigiator Kio (Author)

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How to Cite

Cost-Effective Strategies for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetic Retinopathy: A Comprehensive Review. (2026). Advances in Medical Sciences and Research, 1(2), 120-139. https://doi.org/10.55578/amsr.2606.009