Diabetic skin changes are common amongst both type 1 and type 2 sufferers with more than a third of all patients suffering from one form. From subtle changes to serious infection, diabetes patients are more prone to a variety of conditions, particularly if blood sugar is not managed properly. Dry skin is often the first manifestation of a change in the skin and can be an indicator of an undiagnosed diabetic condition as the kidneys use water to flush excess glucose from your system, taking moisture away from other organs. Particularly affecting elderly patients, and the lower body, hands, and face, extremely dry skin can become a point of entry for bacterial and fungal infections as cuts, cracks, and scratches become inflamed and heal slowly.

Exclusive to the Diabetic: Skin Conditions

Changes in the appearance of the skin are common condition exclusive to diabetics. Acanthosis nigricans is a …