# Association of Dyslipidemia With Dermatological Manifestations in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

## TL;DR

This study found that T2DM patients with and without dyslipidemia have different skin issues, such as dryness and nerve-related symptoms.

## Contribution

The study identifies distinct dermatological patterns in T2DM patients based on dyslipidemia status.

## Key findings

- Xerosis with fissured skin was significantly more common in T2DM patients without dyslipidemia.
- Paresthesias were more frequently observed in T2DM patients with dyslipidemia.
- Bullae were significantly more prevalent in patients without dyslipidemia.

## Abstract

Objectives

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is frequently related with various cutaneous manifestations, which may be influenced by comorbid conditions such as dyslipidemia. Hence, this study compared the demographic to match clinical and dermatological profiles of T2DM patients with and without dyslipidemia.

Methodology

This cross-sectional study was conducted at a secondary care hospital using a non-probability convenient sampling technique over six months. A total of 280 T2DM patients aged 40-65 years were included in this study. Patients were distributed into two equal groups: Group A (with dyslipidemia) and Group B (without dyslipidemia). Data on demographics, clinical history, lifestyle factors, treatment regimens, and dermatological findings were collected using structured questionnaires, physical examinations, and laboratory tests. A Chi-square test and a Mann-Whitney test were applied to examine the association of dermatological symptoms in T2DM. A p-value < 0.05 was reflected as statistically significant.

Results

The study findings showed that a significant gender disparity was observed: all patients in Group A were male subjects at 140 (100%), while Group B were predominantly female subjects at 88.6% (p<0.001). A larger proportion of Group A had diabetes for more than five years, 47 (33.6%) compared to Group B at 14 (10.0%), (p<0.001), and more frequent use of insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents (p=0.001). Xerosis with fissured skin was significantly more common in Group B at 109(77.9%), (p<0.001). The presence of bullae was also significantly greater in Group B at 54(38.6%) as compared to Group A at 25 (17.9%) (p<0.001). Although acanthosis nigricans showed no significant difference, it was slightly more prevalent in Group B.

Conclusion

This study concluded that the dermatological manifestations were common among T2DM patients, with notable differences based on dyslipidemia status. Patients without dyslipidemia showed a higher prevalence of xerosis, ichthyosis, callosities, and bullae, whereas paresthesias were more frequently observed in those with dyslipidemia.