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Dermatological manifestations and associated risk factors among diabetic patients in Erbil City: a cross-sectional study

Soleen Muhammed Shuker Al surameri
Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Bushra Mohammed Ali
Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
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Copyright (c) 2026 Soleen Muhammed Shuker Al surameri, Bushra Mohammed Ali (Author)

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Abstract

Background and objective: Diabetes mellitus is a widespread endocrine disease with a severe impact on health systems worldwide. Skin disorders can be found in about one-third of people with diabetes and frequently occur before diagnosis, playing an important role in the initial recognition of the underlying disease. This study aimed to identify the frequency of dermatological manifestations among diabetic patients and to examine the association between these manifestations and risk factors.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 300 diabetic patients with type I or II diabetes mellitus, aged ≥10 years, recruited from Layla Qasim Specialized Diabetic Center in Erbil City, Iraq. Each patient was examined and asked about skin symptoms. Skin manifestations diagnosed by the researcher were recorded directly; for uncertain or intractable findings, photographs were taken and reviewed by a dermatologist to reach an accurate diagnosis. The study was carried out over four months, from the start of February to the end of May 2024.

Results: About two-thirds of patients reported associated skin manifestations. The most common cutaneous manifestations were acrochordons (24.73%), xerosis (22.53%), fungal infections (21.98%), bacterial infections (13.19%), insulin lipodystrophy (12.64%), and generalized pruritus (12.08%).

Conclusion: Skin manifestations are highly prevalent among patients with diabetes, and infectious skin diseases are among the most common. Routine skin screening in diabetes care may facilitate early intervention and improve patient outcomes.

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How to Cite
Al surameri, S. M. S., & Mohammed Ali, B. . (2026). Dermatological manifestations and associated risk factors among diabetic patients in Erbil City: a cross-sectional study. Zanco Journal of Medical Sciences (ZJMS), 657–670. https://doi.org/10.15218/zjms.2026.046

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