[Lichen ruber and diabetes mellitus--pathogenetic relations?].

In 177 patients with lichen ruber planus of the oral mucosa and in 177 sex- and age-matched healthy control subjects, the data of 24 laboratory parameters were studied prospectively. Abnormal glucose tolerance was observed in 30.1% of cases and in 11.9% of the control group (P less than or equal to 0.01%). Elevated serum cholesterin levels were found in 35.5% of the lichen ruber patients compared with 17.5% of the control population (P less than or equal to 0.1%). The coexistence of hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia was revealed in 11.9% of our lichen ruber patients and in 1.7% of the control group. Similar statistically significant differences in the mentioned parameters were seen in patients with sole skin involvement, as compared to the controls. The possible pathogenetic relationship between lichen ruber and diabetes mellitus is discussed, based on the results of this study.