Impact of Cosmetic Products with Hydroquinone on the Measure of Capillary Blood Sugar in Diabetic Senegalese Women: Case Control Study

The study conducted in 2017 investigated the impact of hydroquinone-based body milks on capillary blood glucose levels in diabetic women in Senegal. The case-control study included 52 women, 26 of whom used skin lightening products containing hydroquinone. The results showed that the mean capillary blood glucose level increased from 1.93 g/l before application of the cosmetic product to 2.55 g/l after application, a statistically significant difference (p=0.0001). However, after hand washing, the mean capillary blood glucose was higher in controls (2.02 g/l) than in cases (1.93 g/l). The study concluded that skin lightening products containing hydroquinone have an impact on capillary blood glucose levels, and recommended that clinicians educate diabetic patients who use such products.