B15. Cutaneous manifestation of diabetes mellitus

From greek.doctor

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of disorders characterised by chronic hyperglycaemia due to abnormal carbohydrate metabolism. There are many types, but the most common types are type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus. DM is a very common disease, and the most common form, type 2, is associated with inactivity and obesity, which are increasing globally. Chronic hyperglycaemia causes severe long-term and short-term complications which may be lethal or cause significant morbidity.

Cutaneous manifestations

  • 30% of all diabetes patients will experience skin symptoms
  • Non-specific skin conditions
    • Impetigo
    • Candida intertrigo
    • Psoriasis
    • Necrotizing fasciitis
    • Acanthosis nigricans
  • Specific skin conditions
    • Diabetic dermopathy
      • Reddish, oval/round scaly patches
      • Often on the shins
    • Diabetic bullae
      • Painless bullae
      • Can be very large
      • Intraepidermal bullae
        • More common
        • Filled with clear fluid
        • Heal without scarring or atrophy
      • Subepidermal bullae
        • Less common
        • Filled with blood
        • Heal with scarring and atrophy
    • Diabetic sclerosis
      • In diabetes type 1
      • Sclerosis of finger skin -> restricted mobility
    • Foot ulcers (diabetic foot)
    • Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum
      • Erythematous patches on lower legs
      • May ulcerate and become infected