Dermatoglyphics is the science that studies the carvings over the volar aspect of skin over palms, soles & fingers. (Derma = skin, glyphics = carve) The markings are due to underlying interlocking patterns of dermal papillae & overlying corresponding epidermal ridges.  These features were found to be permanent variables and were inherited by polygenic system with individual gene contributing a small additive effect. Dermatoglyphic investigation has been undertaken to ascertain the reliability of dermatoglyphics as a predictive diagnostic tool for diabetes. 

The present research aims to primarily study the various dermatoglyphic patterns in the patients with Diabetes Mellitus and compare these statistically with the dermatoglyphic patterns innon diabetic individuals. The present study was carried out on 164 (96 male and 68 female) clinically diagnosed patients of diabetes mellitus and165 healthy controls ( 111 males and 54 females) were studied for comparison. Palmar prints were obtained in all the patients and controls and the dermatoglyphic patterns were analyzed using statistical considerations.Analysis of fingertip pattern like arch, radial loop, ulnar loop and whorls did not show any significant difference. TFRC, a-b ridge count, a-t-d angle and number of triradiirevealed increased frequency  in the diabetic cases as compared to controls.

Keywords: Arch; Dermatoglyphics; Diabetes Mellitus; Radial Loop; Ulnar Loop; Whorl.