Vol. 6, Issue 4 (2017)

Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis was carried out in the Department of Dermatology, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, over a 12-month period from March 2016 to February 2017. The biopsy records of 110 diabetic patients presenting with skin lesions were reviewed. Tissue samples were examined using hematoxylin and eosin staining, with additional stains employed when necessary. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests, including the chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, were applied for data interpretation.

Results: Fungal infections emerged as the most frequent histopathological diagnosis (31.8%), followed by diabetic dermopathy (18.2%), necrobiosis lipoidica (13.6%), and acanthosis nigricans (10.0%). Inflammatory dermatoses such as psoriasis and lichen planus constituted 14.5% of cases. Histological features of microangiopathy, including thickened capillary walls and dermal vessel hyalinization, were evident in 42.7% of specimens. A significant correlation was noted between chronicity of lesions (duration >6 months) and presence of microvascular pathology (p = 0.017).

Conclusion: The study revealed a broad range of histopathological changes in the skin of diabetic patients, with infections and vascular alterations being prominent. Histopathology remains a valuable diagnostic tool for identifying and managing skin conditions associated with diabetes.