# Serum zinc concentration and history of isCGM contact dermatitis in type 1 diabetes

## TL;DR

This study found that low zinc levels in the blood may be linked to skin rashes caused by glucose monitoring devices in type 1 diabetes patients.

## Contribution

The study is the first to link serum zinc deficiency with isCGM-induced contact dermatitis in type 1 diabetes patients.

## Key findings

- Patients with a history of isCGM contact dermatitis had significantly lower serum zinc levels.
- Zinc deficiency was negatively associated with a history of isCGM-induced skin rashes.
- Older age was also associated with fewer instances of isCGM-related dermatitis.

## Abstract

In insulin treatment for type 1 diabetes, intermittent scanning continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM: FreeStyle® Libre), in which a sensor is adhered to the skin, is often used to monitor blood glucose fluctuations and manage glucose levels. Zinc-deficient skin is reportedly more susceptible to primary irritant rashes. This study investigated whether zinc deficiency is associated with a history of contact dermatitis caused by isCGM in patients with type 1 diabetes.

The subjects comprised 55 patients (23 men, 32 women, age 57.9 ± 17.6 years) with type 1 diabetes who were outpatients at our department and had a history of isCGM use. We examined the history of contact dermatitis due to isCGM in relation to serum zinc concentration.

Serum zinc was significantly lower in those with history of contact dermatitis (23 subjects) compared to those without (32 subjects) (P = 0.033). History of contact dermatitis due to isCGM was negatively associated with both age (β =  − 0.266, P = 0.040) and zinc deficiency category (β =  − 0.315, P = 0.017).

For people undergoing treatment for type 1 diabetes for whom skin problems caused by isCGM are a barrier to glucose management, screening of serum zinc concentration may be important.