If you want to know whether or not you’re suffering from blood sugar spikes, just observe your hand. According to experts, your skin can help you to detect the condition.
As stated by experts of the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), whether you’re at higher risk of diabetes – or you’ve had it for a while, digital sclerosis can show its sign and you can visually determine whether you suffer from high blood sugar.
The skin on the back of the hands may feel “tight” and the skin will look “waxy”. At the same time, it can cause the fingers to become stiff and difficult to move.
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If diabetes has been poorly managed for a number of years, or you’ve not been aware of the condition, it could feel like pebbles in the fingertips.
Hard, thick, and swollen-looking skin can spread, appearing on the forearms and upper arms
warned the AAD.
This skin condition can also develop on the upper back, shoulders, neck and sometimes can move to the face and chest area, appearing like “the texture of an orange peel”.
Digital sclerosis isn’t the only sign of a sugar spike.
Necrobiosis lipoidica is an another physical indication of type 2 diabetes.
This skin condition often begins as small raised solid bumps that look like pimples
said the AAD.
As the condition grows, the bumps can turn into yellow, reddish, or brown patches of swollen and hard skin.
You may also notice:
- The surrounding skin has a shiny porcelain-like appearance
- You can see blood vessels
- The skin is itchy and painful
- The skin disease goes through cycles where it is active, inactive, and then active again.
Another telling sign of diabetes can be acanthosis nigricans, which is areas of darkened, velvety skin.
These usually appear:
- On the back of the neck
- In the armpit
- In the groin area
Out of control blood sugar levels can cause poor circulation and nerve damage over time.
This can complicate wound healing, especially on the feet, where diabetic ulcers might show.
These open sores might not feel pain because of the nerve damage that has been done.
Shin spots are also another possible indication of high blood sugar levels, added the AAD.
These spots (or lines) create a “barely noticeable depression in the skin”.
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The medical term for this skin condition is called diabetic dermopathy, and it usually appears on the legs.
In rare instances, the skin depressions might appear on the arms, thighs, trunk, or other areas of the body.
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