Dry Skin + Type 2 Diabetes

You probably already know that managing type 2 diabetes (T2D) means keeping your blood sugar within a target range, but did you know your skin can be a telltale sign of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia)?

High blood sugar affects many parts of your body, including your skin. That’s why healthcare providers (HCPs) are dedicated to helping you reach your blood sugar goals. Fortunately, many skin conditions caused by high blood sugar can be easily treated if detected early.

The relationship between dry skin and high blood sugar

High blood sugar happens when glucose, or sugar, builds up in the bloodstream because the body does not have enough insulin. The opposite of hyperglycemia is hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Hyperglycemia can cause dry skin. When blood sugar is high, the body gets rid of extra glucose through urine. This can cause dehydration and dry skin.

High blood sugar can also cause dry skin in other ways. Over time, high blood sugar can damage nerves and blood vessels. When this happens, blood may not flow well throughout the body, which can affect the body’s collagen. Collagen helps keep skin hydrated and elastic and helps it heal properly. Collagen levels naturally decrease as you age. However, nerve and blood vessel damage from high blood sugar can make it harder for collagen to keep your skin healthy.

Itching can be a sign of irritated or dry skin. While it may be tempting and normal to scratch, giving in to the urge can worsen irritation and increase the risk of infection or ulcers. So, try to avoid scratching, especially while bathing. Apply moisturizing lotion after bathing, and use mild soap.

Some helpful brands designed for issues like this include:

• Aquaphor Healing Ointment
• Gold Bond Diabetics’ Dry Skin Relief Body Lotion
• CeraVe Diabetics’ Dry Skin Relief Moisturizing Cream
• Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion

Sometimes, creams work better than lotions. If you see a dermatologist or endocrinologist, they might have samples of products like this that you can try before you invest in a large amount. Some retail stores also have samples you can test before purchasing.

To keep your skin healthy, try these steps:

• Moisturize within a few minutes after showering.
• Use  a mild, fragrance-free soap.
• Keep lotion handy, like near the sink or in your bag.
• Stay hydrated! 
• Don’t scratch! We know it’s tempting but moisturize the itchy spot instead.

Diabetic dermopathy: a common, harmless skin condition

Diabetic dermopathy causes small, light brown, oval-shaped spots or dry patches on the skin. These spots are most common on the shins, but they can appear anywhere on the body. While it might feel awkward and look unpleasant, this condition is harmless. It does not require specific treatment, but moisturizing regularly—especially on the legs and knees—may improve the appearance of some spots.

Other skin conditions related to diabetes

Diabetic dermopathy and dry skin aren’t the only skin problems related to diabetes. 

If you live with T2D, here are some others you should know about:

• Acanthosis nigricans: Characterized by darkened areas around the hands, knees, elbows and neck with a velvety feel.
  
• Blisters: Also called bullous diabetes or diabetic bullae, diabetic blisters can form on the hands, feet, legs and forearms. They’re typically not painful, usually go away on their own without scarring, and are treated with improved blood sugar management. Not all blisters are caused by diabetes, but if you have diabetes and blisters, diabetes can make them harder to nurture and treat.
  
• Diabetic ulcers: As a result of poor circulation and nerve damage due to high blood sugar for long periods of time, ulcers can form from wounds and sores that don’t heal properly. In addition to managing blood sugar, you can prevent ulcers by regularly examining your feet. See a HCP immediately if you notice slow-healing sores or ulcers forming. Untreated ulcers can lead to amputation.
• Digital sclerosis: This condition is characterized by hard, thickened and waxy skin on the fingers, toes, hands and sometimes the forehead and arms. The fingers can become stiff and difficult to move. Digital sclerosis develops over time and can signal other complications.

People with type 1 diabetes (T1D) may also find themselves navigating these skin conditions. If you think that’s you, reach out to your HCP to discuss treatment options.

General skincare tips for people with diabetes

The first and most important way you can be proactive about avoiding T2D complications, including skin conditions, is to improve your blood sugar stability.

Here are some other ways you can take care of your skin while living with T2D:

• If you are using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), try to stay in your target blood sugar range—usually 70% or better for most healthy adults—and work toward your A1C goals. The most recent American Diabetes Association (ADA) Standards of Care recommend that adults with T2D who are not pregnant achieve an A1C of 7.0%. Some people with T2D may have more stringent goals at 6.5% or more flexible goals at 8.0%. Talk to your HCP about what you should aim for—every T2D management plan is different because every person is different.
  
• When blood sugar levels are high, your skin can become dry and have more difficulty defending itself against bacteria—keep your skin clean by washing your hands regularly, and stay hydrated by drinking water and moisturizing.
  
• Wear gloves when using cleaners, detergents and abrasives (i.e., scouring powders, cream cleansers, steel wool, etc.)—these can worsen dry skin, and if they get into cuts or very dry patches, they can sting. Ouch!
  
• Avoid very hot baths. If you have dryness problems, avoid bubble baths. Don’t use creams or lotions between your toes because excess moisture can increase the risk of fungal growth, which can create another problem like athlete’s foot.
  
• Check your feet regularly. Do this at home and make sure your HCP, usually an endocrinologist or primary care provider (PCP), conducts one annually.

Always talk with your endocrinologist, PCP or dermatologist—whoever is a regular part of your diabetes care team—about treating skin conditions related to T2D. Ask which moisturizers and creams are best for people with diabetes (PWD) with your specific skin concerns.

If you notice a cut or injury, contact your HCP. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water, and do not treat it yourself beyond that. You and your HCP can decide on the best treatment together.

Navigating T2D can be tricky, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with it for years, our Beyond Diagnosis guide helps people with T2D at various life stages. Download your free copy here.