Evaluation of Cutaneous Manifestations in Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective Observational Study from a Tertiary Care Center in North India

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder associated with multisystem involvement, including a wide spectrum of cutaneous manifestations. These dermatological findings often reflect underlying metabolic control and disease progression. Objective: To evaluate the pattern of cutaneous manifestations in patients with diabetes mellitus and to analyze their association with glycaemic control, duration of disease, and treatment-related factors. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted over a period of 18 months in a tertiary care hospital and included 140 patients with diabetes mellitus presenting with dermatological manifestations. Detailed clinical history, dermatological examination, and relevant laboratory investigations including fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, lipid profile, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were performed. Associations between clinical variables and cutaneous manifestations were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. Results:
Cutaneous manifestations were observed in 87.9% of patients. The majority of patients were in the 51–60 years age group, with a mean age of 54.3 ± 10.8 years. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was the predominant form (92.9%). Infections were the most common dermatological presentation, particularly fungal infections. A significant association was observed between poor glycaemic control (higher HbA1c levels) and increased risk of infections. Additionally, longer duration of diabetes was associated with a higher number of cutaneous manifestations. Therapy-related complications were observed in a smaller proportion of patients. Conclusion: Cutaneous manifestations are highly prevalent in patients with diabetes mellitus and are strongly associated with poor glycaemic control and longer disease duration. Dermatological evaluation should be considered an integral component of diabetes management for early detection and improved patient outcomes.

Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus; Cutaneous Manifestations; Skin Disorders; Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c); Diabetic Dermopathy; Fungal Infections; Glycemic Control; Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus