Diabetes and Dermatology

Diabetes mellitus, a silent killer, affects skin and its appendages amongst various other organs. Around 70% of patients with diabetes will present with a cutaneous complication at some point during their lifetime. Some of the cutaneous manifestations are strongly associated, whereas others are nonspecific to the disease. Certain skin conditions can serve as a clinical marker for the onset of the disease, whereas some may reflect the severity and intensity of the disease. It can also offer insight into patients’ glycemic control. Early detection and prompt management will help to reduce the burden of the disease thereby improving the quality of life. It will also help to reduce microvascular complications and neurological damage.