Scleroderma and type 1 diabetes: a rare association

Abstract

The association of type 1 diabetes and systemic scleroderma is rarely reported in the literature, the pathogenesis of this association is unknown, interferon seems to have a major role in being an immunomodulator and inhibitor of collagen production, and it is also involved in autoimmune pathology. Note that this association could be at the origin of a difficulty of passage of the insulin in the sites of injections, responsible for a major glycemic imbalance. We report the case of a 26-year-old patient, who had been diabetic for 6 years on insulin, who was referred for a glycemic imbalance, who had a clinical examination objectifying multiple morphea lesions on the roots of the thighs, arms, abdomen and thorax. A cutaneous biopsy was performed, showing a sclerodermiform appearance with significant fibrosis without sign of malignancy, result rather in favor of a scleroderma.