Cutaneous Manifestations of Diabetes Mellitus in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Eastern India: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder and is a major public health problem worldwide. Skin diseases can appear as the first sign of diabetes or can develop at any time in the course of the illness. Purpose: This study aimed to determine the pattern and prevalence of skin manifestations in patients with diabetes mellitus. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was done on 80 Type 1 and Type 2 diagnosed diabetes mellitus patients and with informed consent, they were thoroughly examined for their respective skin disorders. Results: Among 80 patients, 35% of patients had infectious skin lesions, whereas 20% had noninfectious dermatosis only. More than one type of dermatosis was seen in 45% of patients. Candidal balanoposthitis was the most common fungal infection. Limitation: Limited sample in a single center. Conclusion: Infections were more prevalent compared to noninfectious disease in a population with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Pruritus was the most common disorder among the other diabetic complications.

Keywords

• cutaneous infection
• diabetes mellitus
• glycosylated hemoglobin