Acanthosis Nigricans in Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus at a Tertiary Care Hospital of Lahore

Objective: Acanthosis Nigricans is characterized by skin thickening with hyperpigmentation dermatosis predominantly seen on flexural aspects & nape of neck. The objective of present study was to determine frequency of Acanthosis Nigricans among patients of type II diabetes mellitus. Study Design and Setting: This observational cross-sectional study was undertaken at Department of Medicine Azra Naheed Medical College, Superior University Lahore from August 2021 to April 2022. Methodology: Type II diabetes mellitus was defined as patients with HbA1c 7.0%, or two blood glucose random readings of =200mg/dl, or previous history of diabetes diagnosis, or taking anti-hyperglycemic medicines. Acanthosis Nigricans was defined as >2 cm poorly defined hyperpigmented skin lesions of brownish black color and velvety appearance present over the nape of neck, axillae and/or groin. Patients with non-diabetic causes of Acanthosis Nigricans were excluded. After informed consent, 340 patients of type II diabetes mellitus aged 30-75 years of both gender were enrolled using nonprobability consecutive sampling technique. Demographic information was noted and the patients were examined for Acanthosis Nigricans. Data was entered and analyzed by SPSS version 20.0. Results: Mean age was 48.2+13.8 years with 187 (55.0%) females. The mean height, weight and BMI were 1.5+0.3 meters, 57.8+11.6 kilograms and 28.8+9.5 kg/m2 respectively. The mean duration of disease was 44.2+9.3 months and Acanthosis Nigricans was seen in 86 (25.2%). Acanthosis Nigricans was not significantly associated with age, gender, BMI or duration of disease. Conclusion: Acanthosis Nigricans was present in almost a quarter of type II diabetes mellitus patients.