How Our Skin Signals Possible Signs of Diabetes

How Our Skin Signals Possible Signs of Diabetes

How Our Skin Signals Possible Signs of Diabetes

Posted: January 10, 2025 | admin

Skin abnormalities can be seen in about 80 percent of patients with diabetes. The primary cause is long-term elevated blood sugar levels. This illness affects the nerves and blood vessels. Tendons, connective tissue, joints, and subcutaneous fat are often affected. Let’s discuss how diabetes affects the skin.

Acanthosis Nigricans

Dark, velvety patches of skin appear in the armpits, neck, or groin, and sometimes on the hands, elbows, or knees. AN is a sign of insulin resistance. It is often associated with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, especially in people who are obese. Eliminate weight loss or improve insulin resistance. Regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight will help you.

Digital Sclerosis

Thick, waxy skin on the fingers sometimes causes stiffness, hardness, and difficulty moving the joints. If blood sugar levels remain high, the condition can spread to the rest of the body. Such diabetes skin symptoms are more common in people with type 1 and high blood sugar. It is important to get your blood sugar levels back to normal. Physical therapy can help improve the range of motion of the affected joints.

Fungal Infections

Itchy rashes surrounded by red bumps and scales often develop in warm, moist skin folds. Common infections include athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, and vaginal infections.

Fungal infections are more likely to occur when your blood sugar is high. Talk to your doctor about medications to treat fungal infections.

Bullosis Diabeticorum as Skin Signs of Diabetes

Burn-like blisters typically occur on the shins, feet, and sometimes the arms and hands. It is a spontaneous, non-inflammatory, blistering condition. It usually occurs in patients with long-standing diabetes and poor glycemic control. They are painless and usually heal on their own. These blisters are more common in people with long-term high blood sugar. Most blisters heal on their own without leaving scars. How to prevent them from developing? Keep your sugar levels within your target range. Diabetes-related skincare should be especially careful.

Necrobiosis Lipoidica

Yellow, reddish, or brown spots that start as small, raised bumps can become swollen and hard. The person experiences itching and pain. It often develops when changes in the fat and collagen occur under the skin. Women are more likely to develop the condition. Unfortunately, there is no cure. However, topical steroid creams help to manage symptoms in the early stages. Be sure to consult a doctor for a treatment plan.

Eruptive Xanthomatosis

Small reddish-yellow bumps appear on the backs of the hands, feet, arms, legs, and buttocks. It may be painful and itchy. This is caused by high cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. Control the fat levels in the blood. Your doctor may prescribe medication to lower cholesterol.

Bacterial Infections

Data infections cause inflammation, redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. Infections of the eyelids, hair follicles, and nails are most common. Patients with diabetes are more prone to infections. High blood sugar encourages the growth of bacteria. Bacterial infections are usually treated with antibiotics. Keep your blood sugar levels within normal limits. It will help prevent infections.

Dry, Itchy Skin

Skin becomes dry and may itch. They are more common in people with diabetes due to poor circulation. High blood sugar causes the body to pull fluid from cells to make urine, which leads to dry skin. Monitor and maintain your blood sugar levels within your target range. Use mild soap, limit your shower time, and apply lotion after showering to keep your skin moisturized.

Scleredema Diabeticorum

This condition involves the thickening of the skin. It can also lead to limited mobility, especially in the joints. It affects 8% to 36% of patients with insulin-dependent diabetes.

Diabetic Dermopathy

Harmless red or brown spots appear as round spots or lines, usually seen on the shins. Diabetes sometimes causes changes in small blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the skin. These spots do not require treatment. But if you have concerns, consult a doctor.

Yellow Nails

Yellow nails are common in older people with diabetes. It can be mistaken for a fungal infection! The yellow tint is often due to exposure to advanced glycation end products, which are associated with diabetes. Yellow nails can also indicate other conditions, such as yellow nail syndrome associated with lung problems.

This illness affects many parts of your body, including your skin. If you notice any of the following signs, it may indicate undiagnosed diabetes. Consult a doctor if you notice any of these symptoms.

Open Sores and Wounds

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to poor circulation and nerve damage. This makes it difficult for wounds to heal. They are especially common on the legs. Diabetic ulcers should be monitored daily.

Eruptive Xanthomatosis

It occurs when triglyceride levels are high due to poorly controlled diabetes. It causes painful, itchy bumps that are often yellowish. The bumps usually appear on the buttocks, thighs, or elbows but can occur anywhere.

Xanthelasma

Causes yellowish spots or bumps, often around the eyelids, due to high levels of fat in the blood. Usually associated with poorly controlled diabetes.

Skin Tags

These small, benign growths often appear on the neck, armpits, and groin. Multiple skin tags may indicate type 2 diabetes.

If you have many skin tags, see your doctor for possible testing for diabetes.

Granuloma Annulare

It can cause small, skin-colored, red, pink, or bluish-purple bumps.

Some studies suggest a link between granuloma annulare and diabetes, especially if the tags come and go.

Conclusion

Skin conditions can provide valuable clues, but they are not definitive indicators of diabetes. However, knowing these signs can help doctors. Notice early signs of diabetes on the skin to start treatment as soon as possible. We provide our patients with the knowledge and tools needed to achieve healthy results. With customized nutrition plans and lifestyle recommendations based on biometric assessments and diagnostic lab testing, we help you take control of your health and well-being. If you are ready to take the next step on your health journey, don’t hesitate to contact us!

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