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Living With Diabetes: What You Should Know About Skin Conditions and Health
Diabetes is a serious condition that can have a major impact on your overall health, including your skin health. Understanding how diabetes affects your skin, and being aware of some key skin conditions that may be associated with diabetes, is essential. Here’s what you should know about living with diabetes and skin conditions.
How Does Diabetes Impact Skin Health?
When your blood sugar levels become too high, it can cause damage to your skin and lead to a number of skin conditions. High sugar levels can cause a decrease in the body’s ability to heal, making it harder for your skin to repair itself. It can also lead to dehydration and dry skin, as well as an increase in the production of oil and sweat, all of which can create a breeding ground for infections and other skin diseases.
Common Skin Conditions Associated With Diabetes
If you have diabetes, you may be at an increased risk for various skin conditions. Some of the most common skin conditions associated with diabetes include:
- Infections: fungi (such as athlete’s foot), bacteria, and viruses can take hold more easily due to high blood sugar levels, leading to a variety of infections, some of which can affect the entire body.
- Acne: People with diabetes may be more susceptible to outbreaks of acne.
- Eczema: Diabetes can cause an over-pigmentation of the skin, leading to darker patches known as eczema.
- Itching: With high levels of glucose in the blood, it can cause itching with or without a rash.
- Yellow patches: Also known as xanthomas, these yellow patches on the skin can be a sign of diabetes.
Managing Diabetes and Skin Conditions
The best way to manage skin conditions associated with diabetes is to keep your blood sugar well-controlled. This means following your doctor’s instructions for medication and diet. Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and managing stress levels can all help keep your blood sugar levels in check. In addition, it’s important to pay attention to your skin and be aware of any unusual changes and take action quickly if any signs of infection appear.
Living with diabetes can be challenging. It’s important to understand the impact diabetes can have on your skin health, as well as being on the lookout for any signs of skin conditions. By managing your diabetes and addressing any skin issues that appear in a timely manner, you can help protect your overall health.