Test Your Knowledge

Skin problems are a common complication of diabetes. As many as one–third of patients with diabetes experience a skin disorder at some point in their lives, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Skin disorders are sometimes the first symptom of diabetes that a patient experiences.

Skin conditions are more dangerous to people with diabetes than to those in the general population. The high levels of glucose (blood sugar) associated with diabetes prevent rapid healing, allowing even minor cuts to progress to serious infections.

Skin disorders associated with diabetes can also be described according to three categories:

• Rashes, abnormal growths and eruptions
• Bacterial and fungal infections
• Abnormal changes in the skin’s structure, thickness or color

People with diabetes also face higher risk of two common and potentially severe kinds of skin ulcer: foot ulcer and pressure ulcer.

Often these disorders can be prevented by caring for the skin and controlling risk factors such as hyperglycemia (high glucose) and high blood pressure.

A program of skin care and hygiene for people with diabetes includes:

• Rinsing and drying well after washing with a mild soap
• Using a moisturizer
• Inspecting the skin daily
• Informing a physician of problems