Diabetes symptoms: Skin issues showcasing high blood sugar levels
Type 2 diabetes can be a 'devastating diagnosis' says expert
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When blood sugars are elevated, especially over a prolonged time, signs of the disorder may begin to appear on the skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), “small and raised solid bumps” – similar to pimples – can develop. With time, these bumps turn into “patches of swollen and hard skin”, which can be yellow, reddish, or brown in colouring.
The medical term for this skin condition is necrobiosis lipoidica.
You may notice that the surrounding area of skin has a shiny, porcelain-like appearance.
Blood vessels might be visible through the skin, and the skin itself could be itchy and painful.
In addition, some people might develop a dark band of velvety skin on the back of the neck, on the armpits, or by the groin; this condition is called acanthosis nigricans.
When high blood sugar has not been diagnosed or managed effectively for a really long time, the skin on the hands can become waxy and stiff.
Sufferers have described the sensation as having “pebbles in your fingertips”.
Known as digital sclerosis, thickened and swollen skin can spread elsewhere on the body.
Large, painless blisters could also occur on the hands, feet, or legs when you have high blood sugar.
On the shins, a slight depression in the skin can be formed that is either the shape of a spot or a line; this is diabetic dermopathy.
You do not need to wait for signs of high blood sugar to appear on the skin before booking a doctor’s appointment.
By the time symptoms do appear on the skin, you probably have had unmanaged diabetes for a while.
Before manifestations develop on the skin, there are other signs of high blood sugar.
The NHS listed the symptoms of high blood sugar as follows:
- Increased thirst and a dry mouth
- Needing to pee frequently
- Tiredness
- Blurred vision
- Unintentional weight loss
- Recurrent infections, such as thrush, bladder infections (cystitis) and skin infections
- Tummy pain
- Feeling or being sick
- Breath that smells fruity.
If you identify with any of these symptoms the best course of action is to book a doctor’s appointment.
A quick discussion of your symptoms and a telling blood test can result in a diabetes diagnosis.
If not, your doctor can look further into what may be causing your symptoms.
A diabetes diagnosis
If you receive a diabetes diagnosis your local healthcare team should inform you more about the condition.
You may be advised to take medication and to make lifestyle adjustments.
People with diabetes are encouraged to eat a healthy diet and to exercise.
A free online course on how to live healthily with diabetes can be accessed here.
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