Diabetes is a controllable disease that affects the way the body produces and uses insulin. The body needs sugar for fuel, and insulin is the hormone that converts the foods we eat into usable energy. If the body doesn't produce enough insulin, or if it can't use insulin the correct way, glucose (sugar) levels build up in the blood.
When blood glucose levels are too high for too long, a number of complications can occur. The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse says that high blood glucose can cause problems with the heart, the kidneys and even the skin. Approximately 23.6 million Americans are diabetic, says the American Diabetes Association. About one-third of diabetics suffer from skin problems.
Skin Infections
People with diabetes are more susceptible to skin infections, both fungal and bacterial. Staph infections, boils (infected hair follicles) and styes (infected eyelid glands) are common in diabetics, says the ADA. Skin yeast infections also frequently plague diabetics, causing itchy, scaly-looking patches of skin or blisters in areas that are dark, warm and moist—often in places where skin folds or touches other skin.
These types of infections can--and should be-- treated with prescription medications.
Digital Sclerosis
When blood glucose spirals out of control, the skin on the hands can be affected. The ADA notes that digital sclerosis causes the skin on the backs of the hands to become waxy-looking and thick, and lead to tightening of the skin. It can also affect the joints of the fingers, stiffening them to the point where they're difficult to move.
Increased Risk of Injury
Diabetics who suffer from neuropathy--damage to the nerves-- are susceptible to skin injuries because they can't feel when they get hurt. This is most common on the feet, says the ADA. Untreated foot injuries can lead to serious infections, which can be complicated by reduced blood flow caused by atherosclerosis.
Dry Skin
High blood glucose levels can cause dehydration, says the NDIC. When dehydrated, your skin starts to itch and crack, leaving it painfully sore and vulnerable to infection. Bacteria and other germs can creep inside the cracks in dry skin, and high blood glucose encourages those bacteria to thrive, leading to more serious infection.
Foot Problems
The feet are often the most vulnerable to diabetes skin problems. Aside from nerve damage and decreased circulation to the feet, the NDIC says that common problems like blisters, bunions, plantar warts, ingrown toenails, corns and calluses are even more common and problematic in diabetics. These simple foot ailments can quickly develop into severe infections, so taking good care of the feet and checking them often is very important.
