EVOLUTIONIZING DIABETES CARE: MOBILE APP-BASED TELEDERMATOLOGY WITH INTERPROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION AND COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT FOR MANAGING SKIN COMPLICATIONS OF DIABETES MELLITUS

Background: Skin complications are common in diabetes mellitus (DM), often manifesting as infections, ulcers, and other dermatological conditions that impair quality of life and increase healthcare costs. Despite advances in medical technology, limited access to dermatological expertise, delays in diagnosis, and fragmented care systems remain significant barriers, particularly in resource-limited settings. Objectives: This study aims to critically review innovative approaches that integrate teledermatology with interprofessional collaboration and community empowerment, offering novel insights into managing skin complications in diabetes mellitus. Method: The peer-reviewed literature and empirical findings from PubMed and Scopus on teledermatology, interprofessional collaboration, and community empowerment in managing skin complications of diabetes mellitus are discussed. Given the limited clinical evidence on integrating teledermatology and collaborative care, this review explores existing practices and commonly employed therapies for diabetes-related dermatoses. Results: Teledermatology improved access to care, reducing time to diagnosis by up to 40% and enhancing patient satisfaction scores by 80%. Interprofessional collaboration involving endocrinologists, dermatologists, nurses, and community health workers reduced complication rates by 25% and streamlined care coordination. These interventions showed significant promise in addressing gaps in current diabetes care models. Conclusion: This study concluded that the combined approach of teledermatology with interprofessional collaboration and community empowerment represents a transformative and promising strategy in diabetes care, with the potential to improve outcomes, enhance healthcare efficiency, and serve as a scalable model for addressing chronic disease complications.