Abstract
INTRODUCTION- Acrochordons [Skin Tag (ST)], are common, small, soft, benign connective tissue tumors of the dermis containing loose fibrous connective tissue. They are usually skin colored or brownish pedunculated papules, may be single or multiple, with smooth or irregular surface, ranging 1 mm to 20 mm in diameter. The ST developing in diabetes mellitus (DM) is due to hyperinsulinemia that is increase in insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) which leads to keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS- Patients presenting with skin tags to the dermatology OPD in Era’s Lucknow Medical College and Hospital from a period of December 2018 to May 2019 were taken into account, 110 cases were enrolled whereas same no. of controls were included in the study. The details of the study were explained to all subjects and informed consent was taken. Detailed history taking and examination was done. The site and number of skin tags was recorded and fasting blood glucose levels of both groups were measured to screen them for DM by WHO criteria (Normal Range <126mg/dl) by venous blood sample taken overnight fasting of 8 hrs. 
 RESULT AND DISCUSSION- Total no. of subjects were 220 (110 cases and 110 controls), out of which 63.6% were males and 36.4% were females with average age of 44.05 yrs. Duration of skin tags ranged from 6 months to 180 months however 85.5% cases had a single skin tag. Multiple skin tags were common in males (21.4%). Family history of skin tags was higher in cases (41.8%) than in controls. Family history of diabetes mellitus was seen in 15.6% cases and 13.6% controls. FBG levels ranged from 68mg/dl to 220mg/dl in cases, and 65mg/dl to 178mg/dl in controls, with a mean value of 123mg/dl (cases) and 115mg/dl(controls). 
 CONCLUSION- Association of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (high fasting blood glucose levels) and skin tags was positive in our study. We should encourage patients with skin tags to get their blood glucose levels checked to rule out diabetes mellitus.
 
 KEY WORDS- Acrochordons, Skin tags, Diabetes Mellitus
Highlights
Acrochordons [Skin Tag (ST)], are common, small, soft, benign connective tissue tumors of the dermis containing loose fibrous connective tissue
Acrochordons, commonly known as skin tags (ST) are common, small, soft, benign connective tissue tumors of the dermis containing loose fibrous connective tissue.1They are usually skin coloured or brownish pedunculated papules, which may be single or multiple, with smooth or irregular surface and range from 1 mm to 20 mm in diameter and are usually asymptomatic.1The commonest area involved is the neck and the axillae, the less common areas are the eyelids and major flexors of the body.1They have anequal incidence in both sexes, with 59 % of the population manifesting them by the age of 70 years.4The mechanism of ST developing inType 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)ishyperinsulinemia, which increases insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1), thereby causing keratinocyte and fibroblastproliferation.6Patients with
T2DM or Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT)are reported to have a greater number of skin tags as compared to the general population.2T2DM is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycaemia from a defect in insulin regulation.[3]
Summary
Acrochordons [Skin Tag (ST)], are common, small, soft, benign connective tissue tumors of the dermis containing loose fibrous connective tissue. Acrochordons, commonly known as skin tags (ST) are common, small, soft, benign connective tissue tumors of the dermis containing loose fibrous connective tissue.1They are usually skin coloured or brownish pedunculated papules, which may be single or multiple, with smooth or irregular surface and range from 1 mm to 20 mm in diameter and are usually asymptomatic.1The commonest area involved is the neck and the axillae, the less common areas are the eyelids and major flexors of the body.1They have anequal incidence in both sexes, with 59 % of the population manifesting them by the age of 70 years.4The mechanism of ST developing inType 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)ishyperinsulinemia, which increases insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1), thereby causing keratinocyte and fibroblastproliferation.6Patients with. Patients with more than 30 ST (a high number) had a significantly higher incidence of IGT as compared to those who had less than 30.1In Indian population, about twice the numbers of individuals with ST are reported to have DM (52%) and they have a higher IGT, as compared to western population.2The association of ST and T2DM if confirmed,ST may be identified as a valuable skin marker forDM and mayalso help in identifying subjects atrisk of developing DM
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