Cheiloscopy and dermatoglyphics as screening tools for type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of cheiloscopy (the study of lip prints) and dermatoglyphics (the study of fingerprints) in screening diabetic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample comprised 100 individuals in the age group of 17–60 years, of which fifty were diabetics and fifty controls who reported to the Department of Oral Medicine, Thai Moogambigai Dental College and Hospital. Lip prints were collected and categorized based on the Suzuki and Tsuchihashi system. Fingerprint patterns were obtained and classified according to the Henry's system of classification. RESULTS: Type II and IV lip print patterns were predominant in diabetic patients and Type I lip print patterns in controls. The difference was statistically significant. There was no significant difference in fingerprint patterns between the study groups. Gender-wise analysis for lip print and fingerprint patterns did not yield significant results. CONCLUSION: Cheiloscopy is a potential screening tool for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Dermatoglyphics cannot be used as a screening tool in type 2 diabetes mellitus.