Type 2 Diabetes and Skin Health

According to the ADA (American Diabetes Association), skin disorders are many a time the first visible signs of type 2 diabetes. In addition, type 2 diabetes can worsen existing skin conditions and lead to newer ones. 

Causes of Diabetes-related Skin Disorders

Type 2 diabetes with hyperglycaemia (also known as high blood glucose) tends to cause poor blood circulation in your body, with a drastic reduction in blood flow to the skin. This form of diabetes can also damage nerves and blood vessels. The ability of WBCs (white blood cells) in fighting off infections is also hampered when blood sugar levels are abnormally high. 

Poor blood circulation to the skin can lead to drastic changes in the collagen present in the skin. This modifies the texture, appearance, and healing ability of the skin. Damage caused to skin cells can cause interference with your natural ability to sweat. What’s worse, your skin can become more sensitive to pressure and temperature.

Diabetic neuropathy is known to cause decreased sensation in the skin. Hence, there is a greater chance of developing wounds that may not be diagnosed at the right time, causing complications at a later stage.

Symptoms

Based on a recent literature review, between 51.1% and 97% of individuals with diabetes will develop a related skin disorder. Hence, individuals with type 2 diabetes must always watch out for the following:

• Changes in the skin
• Irritation or injuries to the skin that surrounds the sites of insulin injections
• Wounds or cuts that take a long time to heal, because secondary infections can find entryways through slow-healing wounds
• Infected wounds or cuts

Bacterial and Fungal Infections

Type 2 diabetes can lead to various types of skin conditions, with bacterial and fungal infections as the most common.

Bacterial Infections

Bacterial infections can develop in everyone. However, these infections are extremely problematic for those with type 2 diabetes.

Such skin conditions are generally warm and painful to touch. Additional redness and swelling may also occur. The intensity of these infections can increase in frequency, number, and size if your blood sugar levels are chronically elevated.

The most common types of bacteria that can lead to skin infections include Streptococcus (also known as strep) and staphylococcus (also known as staph).

Severe bacterial infections can lead to deep tissue infections known as “carbuncles.” These may require piercing by a doctor. If you suspect that you have developed a bacterial infection, bring it to the notice of your doctor as soon as possible so that you are effectively treated with antibiotics.

Other fairly common bacterial infections in individuals with type 2 diabetes include boils, styes (infection around the eyes), folliculitis (infection of the hair follicles), and infections around the toenails and fingernails.

Fungal Infections

Fungal infections are caused by the spread of a fungus or yeast. This occurrence, too, is common in type 2 diabetics. Chances of infection increase when blood sugar levels spiral out of control.

Yeast infections appear like sections of red, swollen, itchy skin surrounded by blisters or dry scales. These scales are sometimes covered with white discharge.

Yeast fungus commonly develops in the following areas of your body:

• Warm folds of the skin
• In the groin
• Under the breasts
• In the armpits
• In corners of the mouth
• Beneath the foreskin of the penis

Common skin conditions such as ringworm, jock itch, and athlete’s foot are caused by fungi. They can eventually spread and worsen when not treated with the right prescription medications.

Other skin disorders associated with type 2 diabetes include:

• Diabetic dermopathy
• Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum (NLD)
• Digital Sclerosis
• Disseminated Granuloma Annulare
• Acanthosis Nigricans (AN)
• Diabetic blisters

The Final Word

There is a fair share of skin disorders that are associated with type 2 diabetes, with some more grave than others. Individuals with type 2 diabetes can effectively reduce their discomfort and the overall severity of the skin condition if they get access to the right medications or alternative remedies and incorporate long-term lifestyle changes.

References Link:

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes/skin-problems