Association of Palmar Ridge Count Density and Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective Study

Background: Dermatoglyphics is the scientific study of epidermal ridges and their configurations on the palmar region of hand and plantar region of foot. Dermatoglyphic ridges once formed never change throughout the life except in the dimension in proportion to the growth of an individual. Thus, dermatoglyphics helps in predicting the onset of diabetes mellitus in an early detection programme. Aim: The present study was done to identify the ridge counts on finger tips and palms in Diabetics and non-Diabetics. Material and Methods: The present study was carried out on 80 Diabetic patients and 80 normal healthy individuals (controls) in the S.S. Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Davangere district of Karnataka, India. The palm prints of patients and controls were taken by INK Method as described by CUMMINS and MIDLO. The parameters like total finger ridge count, absolute finger ridge count and a-b ridge count in both hands were noted. Results: The mean absolute finger ridge count was decreased in diabetics when compared to controls which was statistically significant. The total finger ridge count and a-b ridge count were increased in diabetics when compared to controls which were statistically significant. Conclusion: Palmar ridge counting helps in predicting the onset of diabetes mellitus in early detection programme.