Frequency of skin lesions among 1135 diabetic patients and their association with microvascular complications

Diabetic patients encounter numerous skin lesions. The present study surveyed the frequency of skin lesions among 1135 diabetic patients and their association with microvascular complications.

For this cross sectional study, 1135 diabetic patients (type II diabetes mellitus) wee selected through Iranian Diabetes Association, dermatologic and endocrine disease clinics in Tehran. They were all examined and skin culture, smear or biopsy was obtained when necessary. Blood pressure, weight and height were measured and neuropathy was determined using Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument. Retinopathy was evaluated by a ophthalmologist and all subjects were checked for FBS, HbA1c and albuminuria.

Totally 1135 diabetic patients including 516 males (45%) and 619 females (55%) with the mean age of 54±11 years and the mean disease duration of 9±7 years were enrolled. Skin lesions were found in 64% of the subjects. The mean age, mean disease duration, retinopathy, and neuropathy were significantly higher among subjects with skin disorder. Diabetic dermopathy was by far the most common presentation observed in 32.3% of subjects. Acantosis nigricans was found in 26.4% of subjects.

Skin lesions are quite common among diabetic patients. Some may denote microvascular complications while the others may reveal poor blood sugar control