Muhammad Arif Maan, Fatma Hussain.
Prevalence of Diabetic Dermopathy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients.
Annals Punjab Med Coll Jan ;7(1):73-6.

Objective: To assess the prevalence of diabetic dermopathy (DD) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Materials and Methods: In a case control study, seventy-six T2DM subjects underwent dermatological examination after written consent. Biochemical measurements included nonfasting plasma glucose (enzymatic kinetic colorimetry) and glycated hemoglobin (glycohemoglobin spectrophotometry). Results: Only four diabetic patients (5.3%) had hyperpigmented and retracted atrophic scars of DD on the shins. Patients with diabetic dermopathy had longer diabetes duration (8.0 ± 4.2 years vs.6.73 ± 5.71years), elevated plasma glucose (13.88 ± 2.86mmol./L vs. 12.30 ± 2.39 mmol./L) and worse glycemic control (HbA1c 12± 2 % vs. 11 ± 1.83%) than that of diabetics without DD. However, step-wise regression analysis illustrated that development of diabetic dermopathy in T2DM patients is not related statistically to duration of diabetes and glycemic control. Conclusion: Even though the prevalence of diabetic dermopathy in present small diabetic population is low, it is mostly presented by poorly controlled T2DM patients. Frequent dermatological analyses and better glycemic control in large populations are needed to improve prognosis and quality of life in these patients.

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