Diabetes can impact the health of your skin. From dryness and itching, to brown patches and skin-related infections, discover the common side effects of diabetic skin, as well as the best ways to prevent and manage symptoms.

Diabetes and high blood sugar can cause serious health issues that affect the nerves, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and more—but many diabetics are surprised to learn the side effects this disease can have on their skin. Diabetes often causes dryness and itchy skin, and these common problems should not be ignored. If left untreated, diabetes-related dry skin and itching (as well as the associated scratching) can injure the skin, and diabetics are more prone to infections that can spread and lead to more serious medical issues.¹

If you have diabetes, you know that it’s associated with high blood sugar, but what you may not realise is that elevated glucose levels can take a toll on your skin over time.³ In fact, many men and women experience diabetes-related skin problems without even realising it—or unknowingly seek treatment for diabetic skin conditions, which then leads to a diabetes diagnosis.

Although there are a variety of diabetic skin conditions that range from discolouration and texture changes to rashes and blisters, you may also experience dryness and itching, which are common as well.³ It’s important to address these skin issues before they progress in order to avoid further (and potentially more dangerous) complications.

Diabetes-related dry skin may be caused by high blood glucose. A compromised skin barrier contributes to dry skin, which is why it’s important to use a moisturiser. A product with Urea can help restore your skin’s natural barrier, and can even help diabetic skin hold on to hydration.⁴

Diabetes-related dry skin can also be the result of neuropathy, which happens when the nerves in your legs and feet don’t receive the signal to sweat,³ which helps keep the skin hydrated. Considering these factors that increase the risk of dryness (and subsequent skin cracking, itching and potential infection), it’s important to keep your skin moisturised with a gentle, hydrating cleanser and moisturiser formulated for diabetic skin. It’s also wise to use a moisturiser formulated specifically for the hands and feet, as these areas are especially prone to dry skin and further diabetes skin complications.

In addition to being responsible for helping your skin retain moisture, the skin barrier’s other primary role is keeping irritants out of your skin. When compromised, the skin barrier has a harder time shielding the skin from external factors that cause itchy skin and irritation.³ Diabetes, and itching that leads to scratching and skin injury, can increase the risk of infection since diabetic skin often has difficulty healing, especially in areas of poor circulation like the lower legs and feet.⁶ An anti-itch moisturiser can provide you with additional relief.⁶

Diabetes-related itchy skin can also be caused by a fungal infection. Yeast is a common culprit in diabetic skin conditions, and it leads to a red, itchy rash in moist areas like between the fingers and toes, under the breasts, around the fingernails and on the sides of the mouth, as well as the armpits and groin. Other fungal diabetic skin problems that can increase itching include athlete’s foot and ringworm.^6,7—and it’s important to call your doctor if you suspect you have one of these infections.