A Cross-Sectional Study of Cutaneous Manifestations in 300 Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

In a cross-sectional study conducted from January to December 2014, 300 patients with diabetes mellitus and cutaneous manifestations were examined. The majority of patients were in their 3rd and 4th decades of life, with males making up 65% of the cases. Type 2 diabetes was the most common form observed (96%). Among the patients, 24.3% had good control of their diabetes with HbA1c levels in the range of 6.5-7%, while 44% had poor control with HbA1c levels >8%. Hypertension was the most common associated systemic illness (37.6%). Cutaneous infections were the most common skin manifestation (63%), with fungal infections being the most frequent (35.3%). Other dermatoses observed included generalized pruritus, acrochordons, acanthosis nigricans, diabetic dermopathy, diabetic foot, peripheral vascular disease, vitiligo, xanthelasma palpebrarum, and diabetic bullae. The study concluded that infections were the most common skin manifestations in diabetics, followed by dermatoses most commonly associated with diabetes. Proper skin care and long-term control of blood glucose levels may reduce the risk of some of these skin diseases.