Dermatoglyphic patterns in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Dermatoglyphics is the study of epidermal ridge patterns on the palm, fingers, sole and toes. They are genetically determined and are useful in diagnosis of various genetic diseases like Diabetes mellitus. There are three types of fingerprint patterns: Arches, loops and whorls. Finger prints of both hands are not same and they persist throughout life unless there is damage to the dermis. The patterns of fingertip patterns begin to form around the 13th week of intrauterine life. These patterns are inherited in from genetic makeup of the parents but the inheritance is not purely Mendelian. They get modified during the first few weeks of the intrauterine life due to pressure on the finger pads and on the palms.

Keywords: Epidermal, Dermatoglyphics, Genetic, Arches