ASSOCIATION BETWEEN DIABETES AND SKIN COMPLICATIONS A STUDY ON DIABETIC DERMOPATHY IN TERTIARY CARE PATIENTS.

JPUMHS; 2024:14:03,69-76.http://doi.org/10.46536/jpumhs/2024/14.03.537

Abstract

ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Diabetic dermopathy DD is a common cutaneous manifestation of diabetes, often associated with poor
glycemic control and microvascular complications. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, characteristics, and related
biochemical parameters of DD in diabetic patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at LUMHS,
Jamshoro, and LUH, Hyderabad, from January 2024 to September 2024, involving 338 diabetic patients. Clinical
examinations were performed to document skin lesions' characteristics, including size, distribution, and severity.
Biochemical analysis included fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile, microalbumin, and serum insulin levels.
Histopathological examination was performed on biopsies from severe cases to confirm diagnosis. Statistical analysis
involved descriptive statistics, t-tests for group comparisons, and Fisher’s exact test for small sample sizes to explore the
association between DD severity and biochemical parameters. RESULTS: The prevalence of DD was 33%, with lesions
primarily characterized as round, atrophic, brownish-red patches on the shins. Patients with DD had significantly higher
HbA1c levels mean ± SD: 9.0 ± 1.0% compared to those without 7.5 ± 1.0%, p < 0.001. Biopsy findings in severe cases
showed epidermal thinning and microangiopathy. A significant association was noted between poor glycemic control HbA1c
> 8.5% and the presence of DD. CONCLUSION: This study reinforces the association between diabetic dermopathy and
poor glycemic control, highlighting the need for regular monitoring and optimal diabetes management. The findings
emphasize the importance of recognizing DD as a marker for underlying microvascular complications. Future research
should investigate the role of ethnic and genetic factors in the variability of DD presentations.