Fingerprint Distribution Patterns in Diabetics and Non-Diabetics at Central Hospital, Benin City Nigeria (Published)
Fingerprints are skin markings delineated by epidermal ridge patterns present on the skin of the fingers and palms of the hand. It has been referenced as a supportive and predictive tool for personal identification and gene-linked disorder. The aim of this study was to determine dermatoglyphic features among diabetic and non-diabetic control at Central Hospital, Benin- City. Nigeria. The diabetic patients (100) comprised of fifty (50) males and fifty (50) females who had their fingerprint distribution pattern compared with equal number of healthy control subjects with the aid of semi-structured questionnaire and a computer based Hp Scanjet scanner. Data collected were subjected to analysis using Chi-square and p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. The results generally showed insignificant (p>0.05) differences in the fingerprint distribution pattern between the diabetics and the control. The ulnar loop and whorl patterns were insignificantly (p>0.05) more while the arch and radial loop patterns were insignificantly (p>0.05) lesser in diabetics compared to control. The inference from this study is that fingerprint distribution pattern is not a definitive predictive tool for type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Keywords: Benin City, Central Hospital, Controls, Diabetics, Fingerprint, Pattern