Cutaneous Manifestations in Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder of great importance. The corresponding pathomechanisms of this disease lead to repercussions in every organ system including the skin. Cutaneous manifestations as a consequence of diabetes are numerous and may even precede its diagnosis. Skin signs may also develop at any time over the course of the disease, helping physicians to identify previously undiagnosed diabetes cases. Despite prior investigations, the exact mechanisms of many cutaneous markers remain not fully explained. While some of these skin markers are indolent others can result in great morbidity, occasionally affecting patients’ quality of life or leading to hospitalizations and life-threatening conditions. This chapter covers the clinical presentation, etiopathogenesis, and current therapeutic approach to the most common dermatologic manifestations specifically associated with diabetes mellitus such as diabetic dermopathy, necrobiosis lipoidica, acanthosis nigricans, granuloma annulare, diabetic bullae, scleredema diabeticorum, and Kyrle’s disease. Skin conditions not specifically related to diabetes and skin complications directly related to diabetes are also discussed.