Diabetic Dermopathy and Poor Glycemic Control among Diabetic Patients in Sulaimaniyah, Kurdistan, Iraq

Abstract

Background and objectives: Diabetes mellitus is the commonest endocrine disorder among the general population. Shin spots or diabetic dermopathy is the foremost common cutaneous sign of diabetes mellitus. Sporadic shin spots may occur in non-diabetic people. However, 4 or more spots are highly specific of microangiopathy in diabetics and may indicate a poor glycaemic control.  This study was done to evaluate prevalence of diabetic dermopathy among a group of Iraqi diabetic patients living in Sulaimaniyah, region of Kurdistan and its correlation with the state of diabetic control.

Methodology: This is a cross sectional study included 500 diabetics whom were diagnosed according to standard diagnostic criteria. Demographic and clinical features were obtained such as age and sex besides duration and treatment of the disease as well as cutaneous manifestations of diabetic dermopathy.

Results: In regard to the state of glycemic control, 208 patients (41.6%) were poorly-controlled, while 292 (58.4%) were well-controlled. Overall, diabetic dermopathy was observed in 109 (21.8%) patients (males, n=70; 64.2%, females, n=39; 35.8%). In the poorly-controlled group, 98 (89.9%) patients had diabetic dermopathy while only 11 (10.1%) patients of well-controlled diabetics had DD. This difference was statistically significant. 

Conclusion: diabetic dermopathy was more prevalent among poorly-controlled diabetics. Although diabetic dermopathy is a subtle clinical sign, it could be used as a marker of poor glycaemic control and hence a clue to the possible existence of serious microangiopathic changes.