KEY POINTS

  • Type 2 diabetes can manifest through various physical symptoms
  • One of the symptoms that you need to watch out for is having a dry skin
  • Dry skin in certain areas of the body is a manifestation of the condition

Many people suffer from type 2 diabetes and yet do not realize they have it. Symptoms can affect various parts of their body. Since many of these symptoms, however, do not make a person feel sick, such warning signs may be difficult to recognize.

Major symptoms of type 2 diabetes include urinating more than normal, especially at night, feeling fatigued or very tired, and feeling thirsty most of the time.

Identifying the symptoms of type 2 diabetes can help you avoid serious complications like heart disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage. This is why it is vital to identify lesser-known symptoms too.

A Sign In The Skin

Diabetes.co.uk stated on their website that one of the important factors that people with diabetes should pay attention to is skincare. The health site said that skin conditions are likely to develop among diabetics, but lower nerve sensitivity and circulation may make it difficult to identify emerging skin problems.

According to the diabetes health site, diabetics may experience greater fluid loss in their bodies because of high levels of blood sugar. Such condition causes dry skin on the feet, legs, elbows, and many other areas on the body. If dry skin cracks, germs can enter the body through these areas, causing infection. This is why giving attention to the skin is very important.

dry skin type 2 diabetes
dry skin type 2 diabetes Rbombo04 - Pixabay

The diabetes advice site also revealed that even the most minuscule of skin problems might develop into serious diabetes complications. Examples of these are diabetic foot ulcers and, in the worst-case scenario, amputation.

Keeping the skin in good condition, particularly on the legs and feet, should be prioritized by people with diabetes. One of the symptoms of diabetes you need to look out for are dry and cracked skin. The other two symptoms are acanthosis nigricans and diabetic dermopathy.

Acanthosis Nigricans and Diabetic Dermopathy

Acanthosis Nigricans often appear in diabetics with Hispanic and African ethnic origins. The condition causes black and brown lesions to appear under the skin.

Diabetic dermopathy, on the other hand, is a common problem for people suffering from diabetes. They are also sometimes called shin spots. Diabetic dermopathy causes the development of raised, round lesions that can further develop into ulcers when left unchecked.