Spectrum of Cutaneous Manifestations of Diabetes Mellitus: An Observational Study from a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most common endocrine disorder. It exhibits a variety of multisystem complications involving the blood vessels, skin, eye, kidney, and the nervous system during the course of the disease process. The skin shares both the effects of acute gross metabolic derangement and chronic degenerative changes of diabetes, as it is an actively metabolizing tissue. Materials and Methods: This is prospective and observational study conducted in the Department of Dermatology, Narayana Medical College, Nellore. Patients diagnosed to have DM after the age of 30 years, includingknown cases of type 2 DM already on treatment or newly detected diabetic patients, based on the American Diabetic Association criteria. The cutaneous features in diabetics were compared with that of normal controls. An attempt was made to find out any association between cutaneous features of DM and internal organ involvement due to diabetes. Results: This study showed that in specific cutaneous disorders, Dermatophytosis was present in 12(17.1%) patients in controlled group and 23(32.9%) patients in uncontrolled group. Candidiasis was present in 11(15.7%) patients in controlled group and 22(31.4%) patients in uncontrolled group. Bacterial Infection was present in 13(18.5%) patients in controlled group and 26(37.1%) patients in uncontrolled group. Acanthosis Nigricans was present in 8(11.4%) patients in controlled group and 24(34.3%) patients in uncontrolled group. Acrochordon was present in 18(25.7%) patients in controlled group and 32(45.7%) patients in uncontrolled group. Onychomycosis was present in 7(10.0%) patients in controlled and 1 1 (15.7%) patients in uncontrolled group. Conclusion: This study shows the prevalence and variety of DM skin and nail manifestations in an effort to further acquaint dermatologists and other clinicians with diabetic dermatologic manifestations. This study provides an overview that may facilitate earlier detection and treatment of thedisorder. Also, this matter can help physicians and endocrinologists to have a visualized idea of DM control and situation.