A Review on Metabolic Dysregulation & Cutaneous Pigmentation: Elucidating the Role of Diabetes Mellitus in Melanogenic Pathways

Authors

  • Vaishali Thakur Research Scholar, Department of Zoology, Jata Shankar Trivedi Post Graduate College, Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh, India Author
  • Durgesh Agase Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, Jata Shankar Trivedi Post Graduate College, Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh, India Author
  • Harsh Tiwari Department of Zoology, Biospark Research Institute & Laboratories Private Limited Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh, India Author
  • Karan Singh Saini Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, PMCOE, Government Post Graduate College, Sheopur, Madhya Pradesh, India Author
  • Jyoti Thakre Research Scholar, Department of Zoology, Jata Shankar Trivedi Post Graduate College, Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh, India Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71393/2ehfxb88

Keywords:

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Voglibose, Metformin, Pigmentation disorder, Melanin synthesis

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia resulting from inadequate insulin secretion, impaired insulin action, or both. Its global burden has increased substantially, with diabetes-related mortality rising by approximately 70% between 2000 and 2019. Diagnosis primarily relies on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting blood glucose (FBG). Diabetes also produces characteristic cutaneous manifestations, including diabetic dermopathy and acanthosis nigricans, which may provide clinically useful indicators of metabolic dysfunction. Emerging evidence suggests a relationship between melanin metabolism and diabetes, with altered pigmentation and reduced melanin reported particularly in type 1 diabetes.

Aim & Objective: To explore the association between diabetes mellitus, cutaneous manifestations, and melanin metabolism, and to assess the potential therapeutic relevance of antidiabetic drugs in pigmentation disorders.

Material & Method: Relevant published literature was reviewed to evaluate the relationship between diabetes, glycemic parameters, skin manifestations, melanin production, and the effects of commonly used antidiabetic medications, particularly metformin and voglibose, on melanogenesis.

Result: Diabetes was associated with several characteristic skin changes, including diabetic dermopathy and acanthosis nigricans. Alterations in melanin production have also been reported, particularly reduced melanin levels in type 1 diabetes. Metformin and voglibose demonstrated potential inhibitory effects on melanin synthesis, suggesting possible applications beyond glycemic control.

Conclusion: Cutaneous manifestations may provide useful clinical clues to underlying diabetes and metabolic abnormalities. The emerging relationship between melanin metabolism and diabetes highlights potential opportunities for integrating dermatological assessment into diabetes management and exploring antidiabetic agents as novel therapeutic approaches for pigmentation disorders.

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Published

2026-10-03

Issue

Vol. 1 (2026): Issue 1

Section

Articles

How to Cite

A Review on Metabolic Dysregulation & Cutaneous Pigmentation: Elucidating the Role of Diabetes Mellitus in Melanogenic Pathways. (2026). Journal of Biology, Medicine & BioMedicine , 1, 33-38. https://doi.org/10.71393/2ehfxb88