Evaluation of Cutaneous Manifestation of Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is known to be a chronic multisystem disorder. Since the cutaneous manifestation can be the presenting sign of diabetes mellitus. These are well known and considered common. This work is an attempt to analyze the pattern of various cutaneous manifestations seen in DM in the present lifestyle scenario. In view of increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus a study of cutaneous manifestation cannot be over emphasized. Aim: To analyze and study the pattern of cutaneous manifestations in diabetic patients. Material and methods: An observational single centered study of 18 months was conducted in department of Dermatology and Medicine at tertiary care teaching hospital. Results: A total of 100 (males were constituted 55% and females were constituted 45%) diagnosed patients of Diabetes Mellitus and were examined. Cutaneous infections were the most common(71%) such as skin tags (33%), cherry angioma (21%), xerosis of skin (19%), acanthosis nigricans (18%), generalized pruritus (12%), xanthelasma palpebraum (8%), diabetic dermopathy (7%), yellow discolouration of hand (5%), diabetic thick skin (2%), rubeosis faciei (2%), and granuloma annulare (1%). Conclusion: It is important to educate patient for proper self-examination, diet control, exercise, change in lifestyle, regular treatment along with monitoring of blood sugar (HbA1c) at regular intervals to detect infections and other manifestations of DM.