High blood sugar levels cause biochemical changes in the skin that change its structure and function. This results in premature aging of the skin, and extreme skin dryness changes the appearance and elasticity of the skin. Cracks in the skin become openings for infection to invade the body. High blood sugars also thwart the ability of white blood cells to counteract these infections and leave tissue and bone exposed to increased risk of an infection as well.

Diabetes causes many skin-related problems, some being easy to see and others a bit more difficult. The most visible signs include–

• Peripheral neuropathy, also called diabetic nerve pain (See Do You Have Neuropathy?), often causes dull aches, pain, sleep loss, loss of feeling (especially in the feet, legs and hands), numbness and loss of sensitivity to temperature extremes (hot or cold); all of which may cause mobility concerns, such as a loss of balance or difficulty in walking
  
• Slow wound healing
  
• Skin infections
  
• Loss of skin elasticity and tone from dehydration and poor blood circulation
  
• Dry, itchy skin (and changes to all layers of the skin)
  
• Increased sensitivity to sun and ultraviolet light