Five Unique Skin Indicators That May Reveal Underlying Health Issues

Cravings, increased thirst and frequent urination – these are common signs of diabetes. But you can also tell from a person’s skin whether they may have diabetes. As the diabetes information portal of the German Diabetes Center and the German Center for Diabetes Research points out, up to 80 percent of people with diabetes experience skin changes. Type 2 diabetics are more often affected than people with type 1 diabetes.

The reason for the skin changes is a long-term increase in blood sugar levels. In this article, you will find out which skin changes can indicate diabetes and what the reasons for them are.

By the way: Diabetics have to be particularly careful in the summer months. Heat can be dangerous for diabetics by causing fluctuations in blood sugar levels. However, a treat that is also suitable for diabetics could help cool down – watermelon.

Diabetes: You can recognize the disease by these signs on the skin

As Dr. Rüdiger Landgraf, Professor of Internal Medicine, explains in an article on the diabetes information portal, diabetics generally tend to have dry and itchy skin. According to the article, this is mainly due to the impaired function of the sweat sebaceous glands. Severe callus formation on the feet and poor wound healing, especially in the case of smaller wounds, could also be related to diabetes.

The Diabetesinformationsportal In this context, also mentions five signs on the skin that could indicate diabetes. These are:

• Acanthosis nigricans: Gray-brown, velvety thickening of the skin, mainly in skin folds such as the neck, armpits or groin region. These can be an indication of insulin resistance.
• Necrobiosis lipoidica: Ring-shaped, reddish or brown discolored skin lesions, often on the shins. This skin can become thinner and open wounds can form.
• Xanthomas: Nodular, orange-yellow fatty deposits in the skin, often associated with a lipid metabolism disorder.
• Pigment disorders: Painless, sharply defined reddish-brown spots, primarily on the lower legs, possibly caused by changes in the smallest blood vessels.
• Vitiligo (white spot disease): Depigmented, sharply defined white spots on the skin, often occur in autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes.

In addition to these warning signs, diabetics are also more likely to develop infectious diseases that show up on the skin. These include Candida infections, which cause redness, swelling, and itchy, weeping skin changes. The reason for this is yeast fungi in skin folds, in the genital area, or around the nails. Another infectious skin disease that is linked to diabetes, according to the diabetes information portal, is the fungal infection, also known as tinea, dermatophytosis, or scald. It often appears between the toes and can lead to open spots with whitish edges. Erysipelas, which is often accompanied by fever and swollen lymph nodes, can also be linked to diabetes.

Diabetes: This is why skin problems occur

Skin problems in diabetes occur mainly due to permanently elevated blood sugar levels, which trigger a series of negative processes in the body. High blood sugar levels impair the function of important skin cells such as keratinocytes and fibroblasts, which are responsible for the skin barrier, elasticity and resilience, according to the diabetes information portal. This impairment makes the skin more susceptible to infections and injuries, as it allows pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and fungi easier access.

In addition, the so-called “sugarying” of proteins and fats (glycation) leads to structural changes in the skin and blood vessels, which can further impair blood circulation and wound healing. Furthermore, increased blood sugar weakens the immune system, which reduces the defense against infections and can make the skin more susceptible to diseases. All of these factors mean that people with diabetes tend to be more prone to skin problems.

Skin problems with diabetes – what you can do

The good news in this context: If diabetes is to blame for the skin problems, then they can disappear again with good blood sugar management. The experts from the diabetes information portal write in this regard that stable blood sugar control helps to minimize the harmful effects on the skin cells and strengthen the skin barrier.

In addition, careful skin care is essential: those affected should check their skin daily for changes, use moisturizers regularly and take care not to strain the skin by washing it frequently or taking hot baths. Caring for the feet is particularly important, as these are often affected by diabetic skin problems. Regularly changing the injection sites for insulin injections and maintaining hygienic standards when using insulin pumps and blood glucose monitoring systems could also help to avoid skin irritation and infections.

By the way: Irregular sleep is suspected of increasing the risk of diabetes. A recent study confirms this suspicion. There are also constant innovations in the field of research that deals with the treatment of diabetes. Diabetics may soon no longer need to inject insulin.

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Diabetic skin conditions pictures

Diabetes and Skin Changes: ​Understanding the Connection

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While ‍many are⁢ aware of the ​common symptoms such as cravings, increased​ thirst, and frequent urination, few know ⁤that skin changes can also be an indicator of the​ disease. Up to 80% ⁢of people with diabetes experience skin ⁣changes, with type 2 diabetics being more affected than those with type 1 diabetes [[1]].

Causes of⁣ Skin Changes

The primary reason for skin changes in diabetes is a long-term increase in blood sugar levels. This can lead to various skin problems, including dry and itchy skin, severe callus​ formation on⁤ the feet, ⁢and poor wound healing [[2]]. According to Dr. Rüdiger Landgraf, Professor of Internal Medicine, the impaired function of the sweat sebaceous glands is mainly responsible for ‍dry ⁤and ⁢itchy skin [[3]].

Common Skin Changes Associated with Diabetes

Several skin⁢ changes can⁢ indicate diabetes, including:

1. Acanthosis nigricans: Gray-brown, velvety thickening of the ​skin, mainly in skin folds such as the neck, armpits, ​or groin region. These can be an​ indication of insulin resistance⁤ [[4]].
2. Necrobiosis lipoidica: Ring-shaped, reddish or brown discolored skin lesions, often on the shins. This skin can become thinner and open wounds can⁤ form [[4]].
3. Xanthomas: Nodular, orange-yellow fatty deposits in the skin, often associated with a lipid metabolism ‌disorder [[4]].
4. Pigment disorders: Painless, sharply defined ⁤reddish-brown ‍spots, primarily on‍ the lower legs, possibly caused ⁢by changes⁢ in the smallest blood vessels [[4]].
5. Diabetic​ dermopathy: ⁢Light brown ‌or⁣ reddish, oval or round, slightly indented scaly patches, most often appearing on the shins [[2]].

Additional Skin Problems

In addition to these specific skin changes, diabetics may also experience localized itching, which can be caused by a yeast infection, dry skin, or poor⁤ circulation⁤ [[3]]. It is essential ⁢to address these skin problems promptly to prevent further complications.

Summer Precautions

Diabetics need to be particularly careful during the summer months, as heat can cause ​fluctuations in ⁢blood sugar levels. However,‍ a treat like watermelon, which is suitable for diabetics, can help cool down and provide essential hydration.

Conclusion

Diabetes-related skin changes can be a vital indicator of the⁢ disease.‌ By understanding the causes and recognizing the common skin changes associated with diabetes, individuals can⁢ take⁤ proactive steps​ to manage their condition and prevent further⁣ complications. If you or someone ‍you know is experiencing skin changes, consult⁢ a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References:

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