12 Signs of Poor Diabetes Control or Insulin Resistance on Your Skin
Have you been diagnosed with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes? Many people may not even know they have diabetes until they see certain signs on their skin. Treating skin infections promptly is crucial because they can progress and become difficult to treat, especially if you have diabetes. Today, I’m talking about 12 signs of poor diabetes control or insulin resistance that manifest on your skin. Let’s get into it.
Today, we are talking about skin manifestations of diabetes or insulin resistance. As you know, the skin is one of the many organs that can be affected by diabetes. Diabetics who notice their skin being irritated may actually have high blood sugars due to uncontrolled diabetes, or they may not even know they have diabetes before they see these signs on their skin.
Make sure you read the entire blog because I promise you will learn something new and amazing today that will come in handy later. I hope you never have these symptoms, but if you see them on someone else, you may alert them. I’ll give you a few tips about self-care for some of the conditions I’m going to talk about, and they’re going to be spread throughout this blog. So, you better read the entire blog if you want to get all the tips and tricks. I’m sure you will appreciate hearing all these.
It’s important to see your diabetes doctor and dermatologist occasionally if you notice any of the following signs.
1. Skin Patches that Are Yellow, Reddish, or Brown
These patches are known as necrobiosis lipoidica. They are small raised firm bumps that resemble pimples, which are common symptoms of this disorder. Over time, these pimples become bloated, hard patches of skin. Yellow, reddish, or brown spots can also appear. Necrobiosis lipoidica is characterized by red, puffy, and hard patches on the legs. You may also notice the following:
This skin condition goes through phases of activity and inactivity or sometimes reactivation. If you have not been diagnosed with diabetes or if you have uncontrolled diabetes, you need to either get tested or control your diabetes better. Make sure you work with your doctor to improve your diabetes management. Although necrobiosis lipoidica is not harmful, it can cause difficulties and is definitely not very sightly.
2. Velvety Feeling Darker Patches of Skin
If you have darker patches of skin that feel velvety, it may indicate that you have too much insulin in your body. These patches, called acanthosis nigricans, can appear on the back of your neck, under your armpits, groin, or elsewhere. This condition is very common with pre-diabetes as well. Acanthosis nigricans causes darker skin, especially in the creases of your skin, and may be the first indicator of diabetes or insulin resistance.
3. Skin Hardening and Thickening
This condition, known as digital sclerosis, affects the fingers and toes, or both. On your hands, the back of your hands will have tight, waxy skin. Fingers can stiffen, making it difficult to move them. If your diabetes has been inadequately managed for years, it can feel like you have pebbles in your fingertips. The skin will be hard, thick, and swollen-looking. It can expand to your forearms, upper arms, upper back, shoulders, and neck. Occasionally, it can spread to your face, shoulders, and chest. The thicker skin often has the texture of an orange peel.
People with diabetic complications or difficult-to-treat diabetes are more likely to develop this condition. Taking better control of your diabetes can make you feel better. Alpha-lipoic acid and benfotiamine may be helpful. Physical therapy may be required if you have physical limitations or to help you maintain the ability to bend and straighten your joints.
4. Blisters
Although uncommon, people with diabetes may develop blisters on their skin. These blisters, known as bullosis diabeticorum or diabetic bullae, can appear on the hands, feet, legs, or forearms and resemble severe burn blisters. Unlike burn blisters, they are not typically painful. These blisters should be reported to your doctor to avoid infection. Consult with your primary care doctor, podiatrist, dermatologist, or diabetes coach for advice on managing your diabetes and the blisters.
5. Skin Infections
If you are experiencing a lot of yeast infections or other skin infections, you may have diabetes or uncontrolled diabetes. Skin infections can cause the following symptoms:
Skin infections can happen anywhere on your body but are more common between your toes, around nails, or on the scalp. Keeping your toes and toenails dry is crucial to prevent fungal infections. Treating skin infections promptly is important to prevent them from progressing and becoming difficult to treat, especially if you have diabetes.
6. Open Wounds and Sores
Poor circulation or nerve damage from uncontrolled diabetes can lead to open wounds or deep ulcers. Your body’s ability to repair simple wounds may be hampered, leading to more complicated and deeper ulcers that are prone to infection. If you have diabetes, inspect your feet for sores and open wounds daily. Do not rely on your doctor or nurse to check your feet every few months; a lesion can worsen within a few days. Seek medical attention right away for untreated lesions to prevent severe infections and potential amputation.
7. Shin Spots
This condition, known as diabetic dermopathy, generates spots and occasionally lines on the skin that create a barely visible depression. It typically develops on the shins but can appear on the arms, thighs, trunk, or other parts of the body. These brown spots have no symptoms and are often mistaken for aging spots. Diabetic dermopathy can last permanently if diabetes is not controlled.
8. Small Reddish-Yellow Lumps
Known as eruptive xanthomatosis, these lumps frequently resemble pimples but quickly turn a yellowish tint. They are generally found on the buttocks, thighs, elbows, and back of the knees but can form anywhere. These bumps are frequently sensitive and itchy. When diabetes is well controlled, these bumps typically disappear quickly.
9. Raised Lumps that Are Red or Skin-Colored
Known as granuloma annulare, this skin issue is more common in diabetic people. It causes bumps and patches that are skin-colored, red, pink, or bluish-purple. If you have granuloma annulare, you should be evaluated for diabetes.
10. Dry, Itchy Skin
Extremely dry, itchy skin is common in people with diabetes. It can be caused by high blood sugar, skin infections, or poor circulation. Using products like CeraVe can help manage dry skin.
11. Scaly Spots Around Your Eyes
Known as xanthelasma, these yellowish spots appear when body fat cells are too high in your blood, indicating poorly managed diabetes. Watch out for these signs and manage your diabetes better.
12. Skin Tags
While skin tags are generally harmless, having many of them could indicate high insulin levels or type 2 diabetes. They commonly appear on the eyes, neck, armpit, and groin.
Tips for Self-Care
How to Care for Blisters
Do not attempt to pop or break the blister; the skin covering it protects it from infection. Gently wash the affected area with warm water and mild soap. Apply antibacterial ointment without popping the blister and cover it with gauze without making it too tight. Use hypoallergenic or paper tape to secure the bandage. Change the bandage at least once a day and wear different shoes until the blister heals if it is on your foot.
How to Care for Small Cuts and Rashes
Gently wash the affected area with warm water and mild soap. Avoid using alcohol, as it can hurt. Apply antibiotic ointment to the affected area and cover it with gauze or a cotton bandage. Use hypoallergenic or paper tape to secure it. Change the bandage once a day and frequently check the area to ensure the discomfort or infection is not worsening.
That concludes our blog today. I hope you learned something new. Remember to like, share, and subscribe. Write something in the comments if you have experienced any of these conditions and share what you have done about it. Thank you very much, and we’ll see you in the next blog!
