Diabetes and the skin :: Mmegi Online

Diabetes mellitus best known as Diabetes or “Bolwetse jwa Sukiri” is a chronic disease of metabolism, which causes the body to have raised blood glucose “sugar”. Diabetes results from impairment of body mechanisms that are necessary to produce or utilise the hormone insulin.

While its commonly seen in adults, it can affect children, adolescents and women during pregnancy. The skin is the biggest organ in the human body and it tells a lot of stories about what is going on in the internal organs. By no means is the skin spared from the complications that arise from uncontrolled diabetes. There are certain skin signs and symptoms that may be regarded as warning signs of glucose impairment or diabetes. Though some signs and symptoms are of cosmetic concern, it is important to see a dermatologist to carefully evaluate your skin if you are a patient diagnosed with Diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance.

When diabetes affects the skin, this may be an indication that treatment needs to be adjusted. Dr. Sekgoma discuses selected skin problems linked to diabetes:

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