Collagen Disorders among the Diabetics and the Non- Diabetics of North India: a Comparative Study

Diabetes mellitus is a common condition which frequently has skin manifestations. The attachment of glucose to protein may result in a profound effect on structure and function of that protein, and account for clinical manifestations of the disease. The present study was undertaken to assess the incidence and to compare the incidence of waxy skin and scleroderma in diabetics and non diabetics. The study was done on 250 patients who attended the Skin OPD of Guru Nanak Dev Hospital, Amritsar. Thorough general physical examination and the dermatological examination were done in each case. All the cases of collagen disorders necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum, granuloma annulare, scleroedema diabeticorum, waxy skin and limited joint mobility were noted and compared between diabetics and non diabetic patients.