Diabetic Dermopathy: A Subtle Sign with Grave Implications

Diabetic dermopathy (DD) is the most common cutaneous manifestation of diabetes mellitus. DD refers to atrophic, hyperpigmented macules characteristically located on the shins of patients with diabetes. They have an unfavorable association with the 3 most common microangiopathic complications of diabetes mellitus: neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy. A relationship between DD and coronary artery disease has also been demonstrated. Thus, the presence of DD should prompt aggressive intervention to detect diabetes mellitus and prevent the development of ensuing complications.