Dermatoglyphic study of diabetes mellitus Type 2 in Maharashtrian population

BackgroundDermatoglyphic patterns of the individual are genetically determined and once formed they remains constant throughout the life, prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing drastically in developing countries particularly in India, in the present study an attempt has been made to find an association of the dermatoglyphic patterns of the individual and diabetes mellitus Type 2. Material Methods This study was carried out on 50 patients of Type 2 diabetes mellitus confirmed by clinical and laboratory assessment obtained from outpatient department of Department of medicine from command hospital, Pune. The control group for study consists of 50 subjects and was obtained from local residents of Maharashtra, teaching and non-teaching staff from our hospital. Palmar and finger prints of both hands were taken using ink and pad method as described by Cummins and Midlow. Results In the present study analysis of loops, arches and whorls revealed that there is no significant difference in the no of radial and ulnar loops, number of arches, true and composite whorls between diabetes Type-2 patient and non-diabetic (normal) subjects. On the other hand, analysis of “a-t-d” angle revealed that angle was significantly increased in diabetic patients than control subjects. Conclusion It can be concluded that qualitative fingertip parameters such as arches, radial loops, ulnar loops show fluctuating asymmetry and hence are not useful for prediction of diabetes. The only parameter, which does not show fluctuating asymmetry with previous studies is “a-t-d” angle. Hence, it can be concluded that this parameter is useful for pre detection of diabetes by dermatoglyphic stud