The first type is known as an autoimmune condition, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body and kills the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. This type of diabetes generally develops in childhood.
The second type is the most common, in which the body produces little insulin, which may not perform its role in absorbing glucose from the body’s cells. This condition generally develops with age and is related to lifestyle.
It is important to know how diabetes can appear on the body, as individuals often develop this chronic condition without showing early symptoms.
Studies have shown that skin problems are often the first visible signs of diabetes.
Pharmacist Bruce Green said that the skin of a diabetic may look similar to the skin of an elderly person. He explained that the process of changing the skin is a process called glycation, which is a non-enzymatic process responsible for many large and small vascular complications in diabetes, and has a role in some diseases of aging.
He pointed out that skin problems are more common among people with diabetes due to poor blood circulation and loss of sensitivity in the nerves.
Green revealed six major warning signs appearing on the skin that you should be aware of:
1. Yellow or brown spots or bumps
2. A dark area of skin that feels velvety, especially around the neck and armpits
3. Thick, hard skin patches, especially on the fingers and toes
4. Sudden appearance of pimples
5. Skin spots – small, barely noticeable indentations on the skin
6. Dry and itchy skin, especially on the arms, legs, elbows and feet
However, these are not the only symptoms you should be aware of, as the main symptoms of diabetes include feeling very thirsty, or urinating more than usual, especially at night.
Extreme fatigue throughout the day, unintended weight loss, itching around the genitals, frequent bouts of thrush, and vision changes are the main warning symptoms of the disease.
Source: The Sun
#skin #signs #diabetes
**Interview with Dr. Sarah Thompson on Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA)**
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Thompson! Today, we’re discussing a fascinating topic in diabetes research, specifically focusing on Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults, or LADA. Can you explain to our audience what LADA is and how it differs from the more commonly known types of diabetes?
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for having me! LADA is quite interesting because it’s often misclassified. It’s a form of diabetes that develops in adulthood and shares characteristics with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Like Type 1 diabetes, LADA is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to a gradual loss of insulin production. However, it doesn’t manifest in childhood like typical Type 1 diabetes; instead, it usually appears in adults over the age of 30.
**Editor:** So, what are some of the signs and symptoms that might indicate someone has LADA?
**Dr. Thompson:** People with LADA may initially be misdiagnosed with Type 2 diabetes because they often have similar symptoms, such as increased thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue. However, the key difference is in how rapidly they lose their insulin production. Over time, those with LADA will find that their blood sugar levels become increasingly difficult to manage, often requiring insulin therapy much earlier than typically seen in Type 2 diabetes.
**Editor:** It sounds like early diagnosis is crucial. What are the implications of misdiagnosing LADA as Type 2 diabetes?
**Dr. Thompson:** Absolutely, early diagnosis is critical. Misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatment plans. For instance, people with LADA might initially be treated with oral medications intended for Type 2 diabetes, but these will become ineffective as their condition progresses. This can result in complications from prolonged high blood sugar levels if they are not treated with insulin sooner.
**Editor:** What do we know about the treatment for LADA?
**Dr. Thompson:** Treatment for LADA typically involves a combination approach. Because it is an autoimmune condition, patients will eventually need insulin therapy, unlike typical Type 2 diabetes, which can sometimes be managed with lifestyle changes or oral medications for a longer period. It’s also important for LADA patients to be monitored closely for other autoimmune conditions, as individuals with one autoimmune disorder are at higher risk for developing others.
**Editor:** Dr. Thompson, thank you for shedding light on LADA today! For those interested in learning more about this condition, I recommend checking out resources from credible health organizations, like the Mayo Clinic [[1](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-1-diabetes/expert-answers/lada-diabetes/faq-20057880)].
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss such an important topic!
