Let’s start with the fundamentals. The pancreas does not produce enough insulin. It’s because of your body’s ability to control the blood glucose, which is also known in blood glucose. For the uninitiated blood glucose, is the main fuel for the body. In the absence of insulin, glucose is kept in your bloodstream, which is able to cause a myriad of health issues.
One specific part of your body that is the most affected is the skin. You read that right: diabetes can cause various skin issues that can be a good indicator for you to see a doctor for diabetes. In this article, we will discover how diabetes affects your skin, by examining the different skin problems that are caused by this condition.
Table of Contents
1. Acanthosis Nigricans (AN)
If you notice an area of dark skin or a streak of smooth skin It could be the result of Acanthosis Nigricans(AN). The most common spots are where wrinkles develop in the armpits, neck, and groin. The patches may be seen on your elbows, hands or knees. If your doctor has diagnosed the condition as AN the reason is due to insulin resistance which may be an indication for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. AN is a common occurrence among those who are overweight.
2. Diabetic Skin Disease
If you notice brown or red circular patches or lines on the legs’ front (also called shin) It could be due to diabetic dermopathy. It’s caused by the changes to blood vessels which reduce blood flow for the face. Also known as shin spots this type of condition is generally not a problem in and of itself, but could be a great indication of diabetes. They don’t hurt or scratch and do not open. People often confuse it with age spots. Because the condition isn’t harmful there is no need to take any action for it, aside from taking care of your diabetes.
3. Blisters from Diabetes
If you’ve noticed blisters that burn that are developing on your lower legs and feet It may cause Bullosis Diabeticorum, which is sometimes referred to also as Diabetic Blisters. While it may look frightening, they’re actually painful and heal by themselves when you are able to manage your diabetes. The condition usually appears only when blood sugars are rising in the course of time. The majority of blisters heal on their own and rarely leave a mark. The majority of people notice it on a regular basis when checking their feet and skin.
4. Sclerosis Digital
If you are experiencing an appearance of thick, tight, and sticky skin around your fingertips this could be the result of digital sclerosis. It usually refers to Type 1 Diabetes. It may also cause your joint to stiffen and become difficult to move. If your blood sugar levels are high for longer periods of period of time, the condition may become worse, rendering your skin tough, hard, and constricted. The most difficult part is that it could be spread across your body. Unfortunately, the only method to treat this condition is to bring blood sugar levels back to normal levels.
5. Infections with bacteria
Although bacterial infections are quite common even if you don’t suffer from diabetes, the odds of developing them are much higher when you have high levels of glucose. The reasoning is quite straightforward – bacteria thrive when there’s excessive sugar present in your system. Very prevalent infection caused by bacteria in people suffering from sugar-related diabetes is staphylococcus (staph). The bacterial infections cause your tissues to become painful and inflamed, especially around your lids, hair follicles, and fingernails. The treatment for infections caused by bacteria is with antibiotics. However, in order to prevent the condition you should maintain a healthy level of diabetes.
6. Fungi-related illnesses
As with bacterial infections, everyone can contract fungal infections however the odds of getting them are more likely for people suffering from diabetes. Although it’s not required to get them if you often notice itchy rashes that are with blisters and scales within moist and warm folds of your skin it could be a sign of the presence of diabetes. The most commonly reported fungal infections include ringworm vaginal infection, jockitch, and athlete’s foot.
7. Diabetic scleredema
There are times when you may experience thick, hard and swollen skin. It is also possible when you manage diabetes. The condition is known as scleredema diabeticorum. It usually manifests at the back of the upper part as the skin becomes thicker and becomes tighter. It can happen over several months or even for a long time. In some cases, you may notice this problem in the neck and shoulders but not on the feet or hands. While it isn’t painful there is a possibility of some discoloration in the area affected.
8. Skin that is dry and itchy
A poor circulation rate is more common when you suffer from diabetes. This is often one of the primary reasons that people suffering from diabetes suffer from dry skin that is itchy. If you have excess sugar in your blood, it may cause your body to draw away fluid from cells. This causes enough urine to eliminate the excess sugar. In the event of this, your skin may be dry. In addition to managing your diabetes, you should limit the time you spend in hot showers. Use mild soaps, and apply moisturizing lotion after showering. Exercise is another method to increase circulation.
Conclusion
It can take many hours of effort to bring diabetes into check. But the outcomes are well worth the effort. Certain skin issues discussed above aren’t treatable until you lower the levels of blood glucose. Understanding how diabetes affects your skin is a first step. Second, you must start getting your diabetes under control. Also, see an expert dermatologist to accelerate the healing process of your affected skin.
