Localized granuloma annulare is associated with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in 557 patients with granuloma annulare (GA) has been assessed by a retrospective study, using age-matched population data. A definite association was confirmed between GA and insulin-dependent diabetes with 16 observed cases compared with 0.9 expected, and in all but one case the diabetes was associated with the localized form of GA. Two further cases developed insulin-dependent diabetes within 5 years of presentation with GA.