In search of cutaneous marker for retinopathy in diabetic patients: A pilot study

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common causes of microangiopathy. Approximately 30% of all diabetics show skin lesions during their lifetime. However, there is a paucity of data on the association of diabetic retinopathy with the skin changes. Objectives: The aim is to study noninfectious diabetes associated dermatoses in patients with diabetic retinopathy and to compare the frequencies of dermatoses in diabetics with retinopathy, diabetics without retinopathy and nondiabetics. Materials and Methods: We screened 400 diabetic patients and found 145 diabetics with cutaneous manifestations were positive for diabetic retinopathy after fundoscopic examination by a qualified ophthalmologist. One hundred and forty-five age- and sex-matched diabetics with cutaneous manifestations and without retinopathy, and another 145 age- and sex-matched nondiabetics with normal random blood sugar (RBS) levels and cutaneous manifestations formed the control groups. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 16 and Chi-square test. Results: Acquired ichthyosis was the most common finding which was seen in 70 (48.27%) diabetics followed by acrochordons in 18 (12.41%) diabetics. Other noninfectious dermatoses associated with Diabetic Mellitus seen among the cases include diabetic foot in 7 (4.8%), psoriasis in 5 (3.44%), acanthosis nigricans in 4 (2.75%), pruritus in 3 (2.068%), vitiligo in 3 (2.068%) patients, Kyrle's disease in 3 (2.068%), and diabetic bullae in 2 (1.37%) patients. Conclusions: Diabetic retinopathy is not an uncommon cause of ocular morbidity. Our observation calls for the need of a holistic approach toward the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes and diabetes-associated skin and systemic complications.