Acanthosis nigricans
Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition that signals that something is wrong with your insulin levels. Darker, velvety patches most often appear in areas like the back of the neck, armpits, and other skin folds.

This may mean that your body is becoming more resistant to insulin—a common precursor to type 2 diabetes. Noticing these changes can prompt you to take action before your blood glucose levels become more difficult to control.

Detecting acanthosis nigricans isn’t just about your skin’s appearance; it’s an important clue that suggests prediabetes or even undiagnosed diabetes. Don’t ignore these warning signs: they urge you to get tested and potentially make lifestyle changes or seek medical advice early.

Taking the gloom out of acanthosis nigricans, we turn our attention to another symptom of skin complications in diabetics: digital sclerosis, which awaits clarification in our roundup.

Digital Sclerosis
While acanthosis nigricans often indicates high insulin levels, digital sclerosis is another warning sign for those managing diabetes. This skin complication causes hardening and loss of skin elasticity, resulting in joint stiffness and impeding movement.

Hands are a common problem, as fingers can become so tense that even simple tasks can seem challenging.

Controlling blood glucose levels becomes important in the treatment of digital sclerosis. Keeping diabetes under control can help alleviate symptoms, and some patients benefit from specific supplements, such as alpha-lipoic acid, or physical therapy exercises aimed at improving flexibility.

Attention to these areas is crucial to preventing further complications and maintaining quality of life despite the challenges of diabetes.

Diabetic Blisters (Bullosis Diabeticorum)
Diabetic blisters can be alarming if they suddenly appear on your skin. These unusual, bubble-like growths can appear seemingly out of nowhere on your feet, forearms, legs, or hands.

They look similar to burn blisters but don’t cause the same level of discomfort; in most cases, these blisters don’t hurt. Despite their benign nature, it’s important to treat them with care.

The sight of a blister can be alarming—after all, open wounds and diabetes aren’t a good combination due to the increased risk of infection and complications related to diabetic neuropathy and poor circulation.

That’s why it’s so important to seek medical attention if you notice any unexpected changes in your skin. Doctors can suggest simple protective measures or prescribe treatments that will prevent further complications and promote healing without the risk of infection that can result from cracking or scratching the tender areas where blisters appear.

Skin Infections
Moving on from concerns about diabetic blisters, another common complication faced by people with diabetes is skin infections. These undesirable conditions can manifest as hot, swollen patches of skin that may be tender or painful to the touch and often present with symptoms such as an itchy rash or small blisters.

Yeast infections caused by Candida albicans are particularly common among people with diabetes due to the elevated sugar levels in their bodies, which fuel the growth of yeast.