A case control study of association of Acanthosis nigricans, Insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes mellitus in a tertiary care centre in South India

Authors : Deepti D’souza, Ganesh Kamath Hundi, Jacintha Martis, Nandakishore Bala, Sukumar Dandakeri

DOI : 10.18231/j.ijced.2019.058

Volume : 5

Issue : 4

Year : 2019

Page No : 271-274

Introduction: Acanthosis Nigricans is a dermatosis characterized by velvety, papillomatous, brownish
black, hyperkeratotic plaques typically on the intertriginous surfaces and neck. Acanthosis Nigricans is
commonly associated with disorders associated with insulin resistance, including obesity, type 2 diabetes
mellitus and Polycystic ovarian syndrome. Hyperinsulinaemia is thought to play a pivotal role.
Aims: To find the association of Acanthosis Nigricans with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus
and its correlation with anthropometric measurements such as waist circumference, waist hip ratio and
BMI.Settings and Design: This is a hospital based cross sectional analytical study including 30 cases with
acanthosis nigricans and 30 controls.
Materials and Methods: All cases and controls underwent clinical examination, relevant anthropometric
measurements, fasting sugar and fasting insulin levels.
Statistical analysis used: Collective data was analysed by frequency, percentage, mean, Standard
Deviation, Karl-Pierson correlation, Chi- square test and t-test.
Results: In our study AN was significantly associated with increase in BMI, WC, WHR, skin tags, low
physical activity, family history of DM, fasting glucose, and fasting insulin levels (p=0.000) as compared
to controls. There was no significant association of AN with age, gender, comorbid conditions and blood
pressure. Grade of AN, number of sites also were significantly associated with hyperinsulinemia. Therefore
screening for AN would provide a simple and noninvasive method for identifying people who may have
hyperinsulinemia and high risk for diabetes mellitus.
Conclusions: AN was significantly associated with increase in BMI, WC, WHR, skin tags, low physical
activity, family history of DM, fasting glucose, and fasting insulin levels

Keywords: Acanthosis nigricans, Body mass index, Insulin resistance.


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