Diabetes is a complex condition affecting many body parts, including your skin. Some skin abnormalities may be among the first signs of diabetes or its complications, offering crucial clues about underlying medical disorders. Higher blood sugar levels might cause odd skin symptoms you can identify and take preventative measures against.
“These changes range from simple shin spots to more concerning conditions like non-healing wounds or darkened patches in body creases, all of which are caused by high blood sugar, insulin resistance, or poor circulation,” said Dr Ashok Kumar Jhingan, Senior Director, Centre for Diabetes, Thyroid, Obesity & Endocrinology, BLK-MAX Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi.
Early identification of these skin symptoms will prevent the reasons from reoccurring and aid in promptly diagnosing and treating diabetes. The six main skin signs of diabetes are listed in this article so you can watch for them and take preventive measures to keep your body healthy.
Diabetes skin symptoms to look for:
- Shin spots
These are scaly, circular, light-brown patches on the shins.
They don’t hurt, itch, or open up and are harmless.
- Dark areas with pigmentation (Acanthosis Nigricans)
“These patches appear in body creases like the neck, armpits, or groin,” said Dr Paras Agarwal, Clinical Director & Head of Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolic Disorders, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram. They indicate insulin resistance and may be an early indicator of type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.
- Smooth, yellowish bumps or patches (xanthelasma)
These lumps, which develop on the eyelids, are brought on by elevated blood fat levels. Their colour is either yellowish or yellowish-orange.
- Wounds and open sores (Diabetic Ulcers)
Poor circulation and nerve damage brought on by high blood sugar can result in open sores and wounds that take a long time to heal.
- Ulcers that don’t heal
Increased blood sugar can hinder your body’s ability to fight off infections and result in non-healing ulcers.
- Hard and thick skin patches. Diabetes Diabeticorum Scleredema
The backs of the hands, fingers, and toes develop thick, waxy, hardened skin due to this illness. It becomes difficult to move when the finger joints become rigid.
- Bumpiness that is reddish-brown (Eruptive Xanthomatosis
Extremely high blood triglyceride levels are the cause of these pimples, which can develop on the buttocks, thighs, elbows, or knees. They are also known as lipomas, and they are irritating and painful.