Publication:

Comparative analysis of palmar dermatoglyphics in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals of Nashik

Background Dermatoglyphics, the scientific analysis of epidermal ridge configurations on the fingers and palms, has been increasingly explored as a potential tool in medical research due to its strong genetic basis and lifelong stability once established during fetal development. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a multifactorial metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia resulting from impaired insulin secretion, insulin action or both. It represents a major and growing global public health concern, particularly in developing countries such as India, where rapid urbanization, lifestyle changes and population aging have contributed to its rising prevalence.

Methods This case-control study was conducted to evaluate dermatoglyphic patterns in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study included 25 clinically and laboratory- confirmed cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus and 25 apparently healthy control subjects selected from local residents of Nashik. Palmar and digital prints of both hands were recorded using the standard ink and pad technique.

Results The study shows that there is no significant difference in the arches, loops and whorls observed among the study group (diabetic mellitus type 2 patients) and control group (non-diabetic individuals), but the axial tri radius angle shows that the angle is increased in diabetic mellitus type 2 patients than the control group.

Conclusions It is concluded that the arches, loops and whorl patterns are independent of diabetic and non-diabetic patients, while the a-t-d angle is useful for the prediction of diabetes by dermatoglyphic studies.