October 4, 2021

Skin Conditions & Diabetes

One of the first signs of type 2 diabetes is skin problems, mostly because they’re easier to spot than the other symptoms. When you have type 2 diabetes, many skin conditions can affect you. Let’s discuss them!

More than half of all people with diabetes have some skin condition that is directly linked to diabetes at some point or the other. Such conditions can affect other non-diabetic people as well, although they are more likely to develop when you have diabetes.

How Can Diabetes Affect The Skin?

Diabetes is known to affect the body is several ways. Some of the effects of diabetes can directly affect the skin. One of the most common issues cause by diabetes is poor circulation, also it is widely known that when the blood flow of the skin is reduced, the ability of the skin to heal and regenerate deteriorate, apart from this, the skin also produces less collagen which can affect the texture and appearance.

Apart from indirectly impacting collagen production, reduced blood flow can also affect the immune system. This increases the risk of infections in the skin. Also, if the skin is damaged due to reduced blood supply, it can affect the way your body sweats and make your skin more sensitive to temperature or pressure.

Skin Conditions That Have Often Been Linked to Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetic Blisters: Blisters can last for several weeks. Usually painless, it’s important to keep the blisters clean to avoid infections.

Skin Infections: Fungal & bacterial skin infections are super common in people who have diabetes. Common symptoms of such infections are redness, swelling, and even rashes.

Diabetic Ulcers: If an injury doesn’t heal properly due to diabetes then over time it may develop into an open sore or ulcer. Usually, it’s more common on the feet and also there can be a risk of infection.

Diabetic Dermopathy: Small brown coloured patches on the skin that often appear on the shins (also known as shin spots).

Apart from these conditions, you may also have dry & itchy skin. To avoid all these issues, it’s important that diabetes is under control. If you see such conditions even when the diabetes is under control then consulting a dermatologist greatly helps. What is relieving is the fact that most of these skin conditions are harmless and usually go away if the blood sugar levels are kept under control.

How Do Deal with Skin Conditions When You Have Diabetes?

When you have diabetes, It is important to pay extra attention to your skin. Make sure that you do routine checks and spot any changes or wounds. Also, be sure to consult your doctor if and when you spot any changes that need to be addressed. Most of skin conditions can be treated effectively.

Skin conditions can also be a sign that your diabetes treatment isn’t working as desired, so whenever you consult your doctor, mention the skin issues you are experiencing as well. As previously mentioned, most of the skin conditions caused due to diabetes go away once the blood sugar is brought under control. To do so you may also lose excess weight and exercise apart from following the treatment plan for diabetes laid down by your doctor.

In case you would like to book a consultation with us for any skin issue that you might be experiencing, call us on +91-8826141232 to connect with Dr. Jaspreet.