CHANGES IN PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SKIN IN PATIENTS WITH INSUFFICIENT THERAPEUTIC CONTROLLED DIABETES MELLITUS

Abstract

Cutaneous complications are common in diabetes. Previous assays suggest that hyperglycemia and decreased insulin signal/secretion are involved in the impairment of skin function. Objective: To evaluate the biophysical characteristics of skin - including transepidermal water loss (TEWL), water content, sebum and skin elasticity - in patients with insufficient therapeutic controled diabetes mellitus (HbA1c>6.5%) and compares them with healthy non-diabetic controls. Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 22 patients with diabetes and 22 age- and sex-matched healthy people. The biophysical properties of skin including stratum corneum (SC) hydration, sebum content, TEWL and skin elasticity were measured and compared between the two groups at different locations of the body. Results: The measurement of SC hydration was significantly lower in patients with diabetes. Sebum content, TEWL and skin elasticity showed no significant differences between groups. Conclusion: Diabetes affects some functional properties of skin that may be responsible for the cutaneous manifestations of diabetes.