Skin and diabetes

ABSTRACT

Diabetes mellitus is the most prevalent endocrine disease that is recognized by hyperglycemia due to a defect in insulin synthesis [type I], insulin function or both [type II].To review the common skin manifestations of diabetes we have performed an extensive search in the literature, with an emphasis on the recent articles. Skin manifestations of diabetes are presented in four main categories as follows 1-manifestations due to diabetes such as necrobiosis lipoidica and diabetic dermopathy, 2-skin infections, 3-manifestations due to diabetes complications such as diabetic ulcer, and 4-skin reactions to diabetes treatment. Cutaneous manifestations occur in about two thirds of diabetic patients and may take place as a result of microvascular complications, wound healing defect and/or other unknown mechanisms. Generally, cutaneous manifestations in diabetes happen after the background of diabetic process has presented but sometimes they occur long time before the diagnosis of diabetes