Cutaneous Manifestations of Diabetes Mellitus at Tertiary Health Facilities in Nigeria

Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic condition with various systemic manifestations, including cutaneous involvement. This study provides a comprehensive examination of skin-related complications among diabetic patients in a tertiary health facility in southeast Nigeria. The study aims to identify prevalent cutaneous manifestations in diabetic patients and their association with various demographic and clinical factors

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study design was employed. The sample size of 160 was determined using Fisher's formula, considering the known prevalence of DM in Nigeria (10%) and a 95% confidence level. Adult patients with DM were randomly selected from the outpatient department of the health facility. Data collection involved structured questionnaires and physical examinations by dermatologists. SPSS version 26 was used for statistical analysis, utilizing descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.

Results: The study revealed a high prevalence (96.88%) of skin lesions among diabetic patients, with the most common being idiopathic gutate hypomelanosis (37.42%) and infections (22.58%). Factors such as gender, age, educational level, marital status, occupation, duration of diabetes diagnosis, family history, smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, and exercise habits significantly influenced the occurrence of skin lesions. A significant number of patients reported improved skin conditions post-treatment and satisfaction with healthcare services.

Conclusion: The study highlights the high prevalence of skin manifestations in diabetic patients and underscores the importance of regular dermatological assessment and education in diabetes management. It suggests the need for integrated care approaches in DM management to address these dermatological aspects.