[Diabetes mellitus cutaneous manifestations]

ABSTRACT

Diabetes mellitus cutaneous manifestations are numerous. The aim of this case control study [200 diabetic patients and 100 controls]. was to estimate the frequency of these manifestations, their clinical particularities and their relationship to the duration of the disease, the equilibrium and degenerative complications of the diabetes. Cutaneous manifestations were found in 84,5% of the diabetic patients and in 49% of controls. Diabetic dermopathy [DD] was found in 11,5% of patients and necrobiosis lipoidica in 1 case. Diabetic bullosa was reported in 6% of cases. It was more commune in ancient and poorly controlled disease. Diabetic rubeosis was found in 3% of diabetic patients and cheiroarthropathy in 7%. Cutaneous infections, mainly due to fungus [47%], were found in 63% of patients and 44% of controls. Side effects of antidiabetic medications were noted in 11% of cases. The high frequency of cutaneous manifestations in diabetes mellitus, in our study, could be explained by the inclusion of all skin diseases, in particular, cutaneous infections. The manifestations were significantly more frequent in diabetic patients. DD, diabetic bullosa and cheiroarthropathy are the most specific manifestations. Skin infections are common but non specific. They are favorised by poorly controlled diabetes. Complications of the diabetic foot are frequent