Prevalence of Diabetic Dermopathy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Muhammad Arif Maan; Fatma  Hussain

doi:10.29054/apmc/2013.429

Muhammad Arif Maan Assistant Professor, Dermatology Punjab Medical College Faisalabad
Fatma Hussain Lecturer of Biochemistry Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.29054/apmc/2013.429

Keywords: Dermopathy, Hyperglycemia, Diabetes mellitus, Prevalence

Abstract

Objective: To assess the prevalence of diabetic dermopathy (DD) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Materials and Methods: In a case control study, seventy-six T2DM subjects underwent dermatological examination after written consent. Biochemical measurements included nonfasting plasma glucose (enzymatic kinetic colorimetry) and glycated hemoglobin (glycohemoglobin spectrophotometry). Results: Only four diabetic patients (5.3%) had hyperpigmented and retracted atrophic scars of DD on the shins. Patients with diabetic dermopathy had longer diabetes duration (8.0 ± 4.2 years vs.6.73 ± 5.71years), elevated plasma glucose (13.88 ± 2.86mmol./L vs. 12.30 ± 2.39 mmol./L) and worse glycemic control (HbA₁c 12± 2 % vs. 11 ± 1.83%) than that of diabetics without DD. However, step-wise regression analysis illustrated that development of diabetic dermopathy in T2DM patients is not related statistically to duration of diabetes and glycemic control. Conclusion: Even though the prevalence of diabetic dermopathy in present small diabetic population is low, it is mostly presented by poorly controlled T2DM patients. Frequent dermatological analyses and better glycemic control in large populations are needed to improve prognosis and quality of life in these patients.