Listen to Your Skin: Learn How it Can Show Type 2 Diabetes Warning Signs
Type 2 diabetes is a disease that begins when your body no longer can produce the insulin it needs or has become resistant to it. It then causes the person’s blood sugar, also called glucose, levels to rise. The body needs the insulin to convert the sugar in the blood to energy but cannot do so efficiently if a person has diabetes. Because of this process, our skin is one area of the body that can reveal type 2 diabetes warning signs.
Other early symptoms of diabetes can include, frequent urination, difficulty sleeping, mood swings and an increased appetite. Here we’re going to talk about spotting diabetes skin symptoms, and what to do if you have noticed them.
Type 2 Diabetes Warning Signs on the Skin
The American Academy of Dermatology Association has developed a long list of early symptoms of diabetes related to the skin. These diabetes skin symptoms become prevalent when the blood sugar levels in the body are too high. Oftentimes these diabetes skin symptoms mean that you have not been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, or pre-diabetes, or that your specialized treatment of diabetes should be altered.
Here we are going to talk about seven type 2 diabetes warning signs that can be revealed by your skin.
Necrobiosis Lipodica = yellow, reddish, or brown patches
This example of a skin condition related to diabetes can start out as something that looks like pimples but as time goes on, the pimples will turn into patches of swollen skin. They may also turn yellow, reddish or brown.
Acanthosis Nigricans = darker areas of skin that feel like velvet
This condition can often be noticed on the back of the neck, the armpit or groin. It looks like a dark spot of velvety skin and can be one of the early symptoms of diabetes due to too much insulin in the blood.
Digital Sclerosis = hard, thickening skin
This skin condition is normally developed on fingers and toes. You will be able to tell it’s diabetes skin symptoms through tight, waxy-looking skin on the back of the hands. Often fingers can feel swollen or tight making them hard to bend.
Bullosis diabetricorum/diabetic bullae = blisters
This not so common skin condition can be found in those who have diabetes. You will notice it because large blisters form without experiencing a burn. They are not painful but are uncomfortable.
Diabetic Dermopahty = shin spots
This skin condition creates spots, usually on the shins, that look like age spots. They sometimes can form lines as well and may fade away after a year or so.
Eruptive Xanthomatosis = outbreaks of small reddish yellow bumps
This skin condition commonly looks like pimples but can be differentiated because later they turn yellow. These diabetes skin symptoms can be painful and itchy and can be found on the behind, thighs and in the elbows.
Xanthelasma = yellow colored patches around eyelids
This skin condition can be found around your eyes and can look scaly. It may be a sign that your treated should be altered, if you already have diabetes.
These are just a few of the more common type 2 diabetes warning signs that can be noted on the skin. You may also notice very itchy dry skin, an excessive amount of skin tags, sores that won’t heal on the lower extremities and skin infections. If you notice any of these type 2 diabetes warning signs you should speak with your doctor or medical professional. It’s also a good idea to speak to a dermatologist about your symptoms because they will be able to treat what is going on and help you take care of yourself.
Sources:
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/other-conditions/diabetes-warning-signs