The Pattern of Skin Lesion in a Sample of Iraqi Diabetic Patients

Abstract

Abstract: Five hundred thirty two diabetic patients were studied during a period of 3 years their ages ranged between 11-74 years with a mean age of 37.8 years. The male: female ratio was 1.5:1.The diabetes in 186 patients (34.9%) was of insulin dependant type while in the remaining 346 patients (65.1%) the disease was of non-insulin dependant variety. The duration of the disease among our patients varied from six month to 19 years. The skin lesions were detected in 294 (55.3%) of the patients. The dry scaly skin with exaggeration of normal markings and varia1ble degree of hair loss particularly affecting the skin of the lower Limbs, in addition to shin spots and increased susceptibility to various infections were the commonest skin lesions reported in the patients.The occurrence of skin lesions in diabetic patients was found to be proportional to the duration, type and the state of the control of the disease. In conclusion, skin should not be forgotten as a common site for long term diabetic complication.Key Words: skin lesion, diabetes mellitus