Analyzing Preventative Skin Care Practices Among Diabetic, Pre-diabetic and Non-diabetic Patients

Background and Hypothesis: Diabetes Mellitus refers to a chronic metabolic syndrome where patients have high blood glucose due to the body’s inability to produce adequate amounts of insulin. This hyperglycemia and other factors make diabetic patients more prone to a number of skin conditions such as dry skin, skin rashes, itchiness and bacterial or fungal infections. There are specific skin practices recommended to reduce the risk of these skin ailments including moisturizing regularly, avoiding hot showers, examining feet regularly for any changes, seeing a physician for major cuts/burns/infections amongst several others. However, there is no available literature that analyzes the awareness of practicing healthy skin care among diabetics. We aim to close this gap in our research. This study aims to analyze the prevalence of healthy skin care practices among diabetic, pre-diabetic and non-diabetic patients. It is hypothesized that diabetic patients are more likely to follow preventive and healthy skin care practices than pre-diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Methods: This survey-based study was conducted at the Rowan Family Medicine office located in Sewell, NJ. Participants were recruited directly at this primary care center. Inclusion criteria included patients of the Family Medicine office from age 18-89 years old. Exclusion criteria included patients with a personal or family history of skin cancer. A total number of 104 subjects were recruited out of which 63 subjects were included in the study. The subjects were further divided into Type 2 diabetic (n=10), pre-diabetic (n=6) and non-diabetic (n=47). Data on skin care practices was collected through an 8-question survey administered to patients. The response was then analyzed using SPSS software and Excel to assess prevalence and differences across the three groups. Results: The results indicate that the non-diabetic group had the highest response to “keeping skin clean and dry” (mean = 93% of times/week) compared to Type 2 diabetic group (mean =82.5%) and pre-diabetic group (mean =75%), with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.04). Similarly, "avoiding hot baths" was most practiced by the Type 2 Diabetic group (mean = 85%) with significant differences across groups (p = 0.01). Other practices, including practicing ABCDE for melanoma, checking feet regularly for cuts, using sun protection, and seeing a dermatologist showed no significant differences across the three groups, with p-values of 0.15, 0.12, 0.63, 0.15, respectively. Although Type 2 Diabetic patients avoid hot baths, other skin care prevention showed no statistical significance highlighting the aspect that more awareness should be brought to practicing preventative skin care practices among patients with diabetes. Conclusions: The results highlight the need for increased education on skin care practices, especially among diabetic patients. This study underscores the osteopathic principle of preventive care and emphasizes the role of clinicians in promoting skin health awareness among at-risk populations.