Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that affects the way our body uses and processes glucose. The condition results in high blood sugar levels, which can damage organs and tissues over time if left untreated.

While some diabetic symptoms are well known, such as frequent urination, thirst, and hunger, there are other less common symptoms, including skin discoloration.

What Causes Skin Discoloration in Diabetes?

Several skin conditions are associated with diabetes that causes pigmentation changes. These changes could be due to a variety of reasons, and they might or might not be related to glucose levels:.

: Acanthosis Nigricans

Acanthosis nigricans is a skin disorder associated with insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. It results in dark, velvety patches of skin that appear in the armpits, neck, hands, elbows, knees, and mouth.

Although this condition doesn’t pose a medical risk to patients, it can be an early sign of type 2 diabetes.

: Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum

This is a rare diabetic complication that causes red, raised bumps that later develop into brownish-yellow patches. The patches may have a shiny, scar-like appearance scattered on the lower legs.

The condition usually affects women and those with type 1 diabetes more commonly, although men can be affected. It’s not uncommon for a doctor to suspect a diagnosis of necrobiosis lipoidica before diabetes is diagnosed in some patients.

: Diabetic Dermopathy

Diabetic dermopathy is a condition that causes round or oval-shaped brown areas of skin that often appear on the front of the legs. It occurs more frequently in men and older people with diabetes.

The condition is not a risk to health, nor does it require treatment and other skin-related complications. In the beginning, this condition starts with a firm, red, raised spot then fades into a depressed scar-like formation. It’s common in the elderly patients’ diabetes rashes.

: Bullosis Diabeticorum

Bullosis diabeticorum is also known as diabetic blisters, which is a rare skin condition seen mostly in diabetic patients. They are fluid-filled blisters mostly on the feet, but also hands and forearms, sometimes appear on diabetic patients.

They don’t cause any pain, but patients aren’t sure if the blister should be left alone or treated.

: Diabetes and Skin Infections

People with diabetes have a higher chance of developing bacterial, fungal, and viral skin infections. These include:.

Fungal Infections: Diabetes raises the likelihood of developing various fungal infections such as ringworm or candidiasis. Symptoms include itchiness, redness, peeling of the skin in ring shape.
Bacterial Infections: Diabetic patients are prone to bacterial skin infections, particularly staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus pyogenes. These bacteria can cause a range of problems from minor infections to severe ones, such as boils and cellulitis.
Viral Infections: The herpes simplex virus causes blisters and lesions in diabetic patients, which can be difficult to treat and lead to prolonged outbreaks in case of long-term high blood sugar levels.

Complications Due to Skin Discoloration

Some of the complications that might arise due to skin discoloration may include the following:.

Low Self-esteem: Changes in the color and appearance of the skin may affect the self-esteem of a person, causing psychological and emotional distress.
Cellulitis: Skin discoloration puts diabetic patients at a greater risk of developing cellulitis, a skin infection that can spread to the lymph nodes and bloodstream, resulting in serious complications if not treated.
Necrotizing Fasciitis: This is a severe bacterial infection that destroys skin and tissue below the skin, commonly known as flesh-eating disease. While not common, people with diabetes are more susceptible to developing this condition.

Conclusion

Skin discoloration at any part of the body in diabetic patients could indicate the risk of certain skin conditions. Although it is not a common complication, it is important to recognize possible diabetes symptoms in addition to skin discoloration.

Patients must keep their skin healthy and moisturized and check for any changes; along with blood sugar, testing is equally important. In case of persistent skin discoloration, it is vital to seek medical attention from a doctor or skin specialist.