Evaluating the Body Mass Index, Blood Glucose, and Serum Insulin in Adolescent Acne

Abstract

Background: Acne is one of the most common skin diseases affecting the pilosebaceous unit that is seen in adolescents mainly. The pathogenesis is multifactorial. High glycemic food, milk and dairy products, and sedentary lifestyle lead to high body mass index (BMI) and high serum insulin levels. These ultimately converge on mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 activation, leading to acne genesis. There are few studies correlating the acne with BMI, serum insulin, and fasting blood glucose. Aim: To evaluate the BMI, fasting blood glucose, and serum insulin levels of adolescent acne vulgaris patients and compare it with controls. Materials and Methods: One hundred cases of acne vulgaris and age- and sex-matched controls were included in the study. Their BMI was calculated and fasting blood glucose and serum insulin levels were measured. Results: Mean BMI, fasting blood glucose, and serum insulin were higher among cases than controls. All the outcomes were statistically significant. Conclusion: Dermatologists should also focus on improving the dietary and lifestyle in their acne patients, rather than just treating the disease per se.