CUTANEOUS MANIFESTATIONS OF INSULIN RESISTANCE AND DIABETES MELLITUS: CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS FOR EARLY DIAGNOSIS

Abstract

Cutaneous manifestations associated with insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus have been progressively recognized as important clinical indicators of metabolic alterations. The present study aimed to analyze recent evidence regarding the main dermatological manifestations related to these metabolic disorders. This study is an integrative literature review conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE and SciELO databases, employing descriptors related to insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, and cutaneous manifestations. Studies published between 2018 and 2026 in English, Portuguese, or Spanish that addressed the association between dermatological alterations and metabolic disorders were included. After applying the eligibility criteria, six studies were included in the analysis. The results showed that several cutaneous manifestations may be associated with insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus, particularly acanthosis nigricans, skin tags, and dermatoses related to metabolic and microvascular alterations of the disease. These manifestations have been described in the literature as potential clinical markers of metabolic dysfunction and cardiometabolic risk. It is concluded that the recognition of these dermatological alterations may contribute to the early identification of metabolic disorders and to the clinical monitoring of patients with diabetes mellitus, reinforcing the importance of dermatological evaluation in medical practice.