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High blood sugar levels, whether caused by Diabetes or not, can cause a variety of skin problems. Here’s what to watch out for and how to handle each of them.

Diabetes can have an effect on the health of your entire body, including your skin. Your skin, as the largest organ in your body, serves many roles, including protecting you from infection, UV rays, and harm.

Diabetes has been connected to a number of skin problems. Some skin changes may emerge prior to diabetes diagnosis. Most skin issues, fortunately, can be adequately treated if detected early.

Diabetes Skin Complications: Causes and Treatment

Diabetes affects more than 30% of people with skin problems. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to hyperglycemia, or elevated Blood Glucose Levels. This disease has both microvascular and macrovascular consequences.

Microvascular problems are caused by the body’s very small blood vessels. Small blood vessel changes may have an impact on the eyes and kidneys.

Damage to larger blood vessels, such as the arteries that carry blood away from the heart, is classified as a macrovascular problem.

Because they can stiffen and constrict the arteries, microvascular and macrovascular alterations may be linked to nerve tissue injury.

Neuropathy, or nerve damage, affects about half of all diabetics, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Neuropathy can have an impact on skin feeling and healing.

Diabetes can also negatively impact circulation. This means that the amount of nutrients and oxygen delivered to the extremities and skin (such as the hands and feet) may be diminished. As a result, skin healing becomes more difficult.

“Diabetic foot wounds are probably the most common things that are problematic, which can be related to poor blood flow and diabetic nerve disease,” explains Dr. Soumya, lead specialist for endocrine disorders at EliteAyurveda Clinics in India.

Inadequate circulation can also cause skin irritation. Because of a fluid imbalance, hyperglycemia can produce dry skin. This occurs when the body’s water is used to flush out excess glucose rather than hydrating the skin.

Skin Symptoms to Look Out For

Skin changes could indicate internal physiological abnormalities. If you notice anything out of the norm, you must call your doctor right once.

Keep a look out for the following skin symptoms if you have diabetes:

• Dry skin: Diabetes patients are especially vulnerable to this.
• Flushing and rashes
• Blisters
• Discoloration
• Bacterial and fungal infections cause itching.

High glucose levels can put you at risk of illness. Although the immune system generally recognises and destroys bacteria and fungi, “when blood sugars are out of control (above 180 mg/dL to 200 mg/dL), the immune system doesn’t work as well,” Dr. Soumya observes.

When the immune system fails to function effectively, minor issues can swiftly escalate into major ones. According to Dr. Soumya, “what could be a simple folliculitis inflammation of the skin could then turn into more of a bacterial abscess,” or a massive mass of pus.

According to Dr. Soumya, your body may also have a more difficult time mending after an illness: “Hyperglycemia definitely can worsen a pre-existing infection in terms of its ability to heal up.”

In general, an infection is distinguished by the infected area becoming hot, uncomfortable, and swollen. Diabetes patients are more likely to get the following infections:

• A boil is a pus-filled skin mass that looks like a huge, painful pimple. A carbuncle is a cluster of boils that are tightly spaced.
• Styes are painful infections of the lash follicles caused by blockages in the oil glands of the eyelids.
• Fungal infections of the toes, such as onychomycosis, can discolour, thicken, or divide them.
• Foot of an athlete: This fungal illness, which affects people of all ages, can produce fissures, itching, and dry skin between the toes and on the bottom of the feet. “Diabetics are definitely more prone to foot fungus,” Dr. Soumya continues.
• Jock itch and vaginal infection are caused by an overgrowth of naturally occurring yeast. Itching, redness, rashes, and tiny blisters can all result from these illnesses.
• Ringworm: This fungal infection of the skin can be itchy and red, with a raised border, and is named after its circular shape (it does not contain a worm).

Diabetes-Related Dermopathy

Diabetic dermopathy (DD) is a common skin disorder in diabetics, particularly those over 50. Scaly brown patches on the front of the legs may occur in people with DD.

The patches are almost never unpleasant. They are sometimes mistaken for age spots, although they are absolutely safe and do not require treatment.

Lipoidica Necrobiosis Caused by Diabetes

Like diabetes, necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum (NLD) causes skin degradation on the legs. NLD patches, on the other hand, are frequently larger, deeper, and redder. It is possible that the affected area will be unpleasant and irritating.

According to Dr. Siegel, while NLD is more common among women, it is “actually fairly rare.” Unless the spots crack and open, there is no need for therapy. NLD rarely causes issues, according to Dr. Siegel, “unless there are significant ulcers,” but “wraps of topical treatment with steroids can sometimes be of value.”

Sclerosis

The skin on the back of the hands may become waxy, thick, and tight as a result of digital sclerosis. Your joints may tighten as a result, making finger bending difficult.

If blood glucose levels stay high, digital sclerosis may spread to other areas of the skin. It is more prevalent among type 1 diabetics. Treatment includes glucose management and physical therapy to improve joint mobility.

Granuloma Annulare Disseminatum

Skin ring-shaped red or brown patches are caused by disseminated granuloma annulare. Granuloma annulare can be either localised (limited to a particular location) or disseminated (universal and extensive). It might appear on the ears, hands, or body.

Diabetes and hyperlipidemia, or an excess of fat in the blood, are linked to Granuloma annulare. Medication is offered to help with the condition.

Acanthosis Nigricans

Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a darkening of the velvety texture of the skin. Examples include skin folds on the neck, groyne, and armpits. AN can also induce skin thickening. The most common correlations are diabetes and insulin resistance.

There is no cure for AN. However, it may fade when blood glucose levels rise. Creams may help to brighten afflicted regions in rare circumstances.

Blisters Caused by Diabetes

Bullosis diabeticorum, or diabetic blisters, may appear burned, but they are usually not harmful. Diabetes can cause blisters on the hands, feet, legs, or arms. Blisters usually cure on their own and leave no scars. Blood glucose control will aid in blister treatment and prevention.

Rashes on Diabetic Skin

Some diabetes-related skin problems resolve on their own, while others necessitate medical intervention. 

From the standpoint of treatment – 

Changes in lifestyle: Managing blood glucose levels is a critical component of treating any diabetes-related skin disease. Diabetes is best controlled by dietary and behavioural modifications. Diabetes self-management includes the following steps:

Healthy coping: When you are stressed, the hormones released cause your blood glucose levels to rise. Stress reduction can help with diabetes. Talking with a friend, being active, doing something you enjoy, and getting adequate sleep are all healthy coping tactics.

Eating well has an impact on your blood glucose levels. Try meal planning and learning to read food labels to ensure you’re eating in a way that helps you control your diabetes. Eating enough of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins may help lower blood glucose levels.

Increasing your everyday activity will help you improve your blood glucose levels. According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetics should engage in 150 minutes of moderate to strenuous physical activity every week. Walking, gardening, yoga, swimming, and weightlifting are among examples.

Diabetes treatment: In order to best control your diabetes, it is critical to take diabetic medications exactly as prescribed.

Monitoring: The frequency with which you check your blood glucose levels at home will be determined by your treatment goals.Monitoring your own levels provides instant feedback and can reveal how your diet and physical activity affect your levels.

Visit your doctor on a frequent basis to lower your risk of diabetic problems. They will take your blood pressure, feel your feet, and check your cholesterol levels. Diabetes education, good sleep, and quitting smoking can also lower your risk of diabetes-related problems.

Problem-solving: Diabetes management may necessitate changes to your treatment plan over time. Recognising when you need to make lifestyle changes will assist you in meeting your blood glucose targets.

What Are the Odds of Diabetes-Related Skin Issues?

Skin problems caused by diabetes can be uncomfortable or unpleasant. The vast majority, on the other hand, are simply addressed by reducing blood glucose levels.

If you have diabetes, contact your doctor immediately if you notice any changes in your skin. Keep in mind that what occurs on the skin’s surface may be a reflection of what occurs within the body.

Most diabetes skin issues have little long-term impact on overall health when treated early.

Our Outlook –

How can we effectively treat diabetes?

Diabetes is known as “Madhumeha” in Ayurveda, which translates to “sweet urine.” Diabetes can be detected through thirst or urine. This is due to an overabundance of Vata Dosha, according to Ayurveda. Vata dosha accumulates in the large intestine and travels to the pancreas, compromising its function.

Diabetes can be caused by Pitta Dosha. Pitta builds up in the small intestine before reaching the liver, where it can cause pancreatic damage. Agni, the main component of Pitta, burns out the pancreas, resulting in Diabetes.

When all of the aforementioned aspects are taken into account, Ayurvedic diabetes treatment begins with a thorough cleaning of the body and dosha equilibrium. In the treatment, herbal mixes are employed that are generated based on individual Prakruti and Vikruti analysis. Ie. The treatment is based on the individual’s body composition and dominant dosha. Diabetes can be reversed with drugs like Dhara, Udwarthanam, Thalam, and others. To address the underlying cause of the disease, Panchakarma and Yoga practises are also used in the treatment. Many people have successfully reversed Diabetes and are again enjoying healthy lives.

Unlike other treatment methods, which only address symptoms, we address the fundamental cause of the issue. Our Diabetes treatment has shown to be near-cure and symptom-free. We place a strong focus on food, the use of potent herbs, meditation, herbal oil massage, and yoga. These traditional Ayurvedic practises have proved long-term effectiveness in our Diabetes Treatment.

The medical records were evaluated by Dr. Soumya Hullannavar, Lead Ayurveda Endocrine Specialist at Diabetes Reversal Clinics & EliteAyurveda Clinics. With over 15 years of expertise treating endocrine and diabetes issues.

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The post Ayurvedic reasons for diabetes-related skin problems appeared first on Diabetes Reversal Clinics - Blog.