Skin Disorders of Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by relative or absolute insulin deficiency. The hyperglycemic state of DM leads to changes in practically every cell type and organ of the human body. As skin changes can manifest before onset of DM, they might have diagnostic relevance. Some skin disorders are highly associated with increased risk of important outcomes, such as skin lesions, ulcerations, and diabetic foot, which can be associated with significantly increased morbidity and mortality of DM patients. Disease control, early-stage treatment (e.g., skin hydration, orthotic devices), and awareness of skin disorders can reduce morbidity of DM patients. Thus, better understanding of the burden of skin disorders in DM patients can help to improve the quality of life of them. The purpose of this study is to review the literature to evaluate the main clinical characteristics and complications of skin disorders in diabetic patients.