"Uncle Zhang has always felt dry recently, especially at night, and it has become the norm to get up and drink water. He noticed that the skin on his neck was gradually becoming unusually rough and dark, but he thought it was just a common skin problem in the elderly, and he didn't pay much attention to it. It wasn't until a chance physical exam showed that his blood sugar levels were well above normal, and the doctor told him that these skin changes were warning signs of high blood sugar. ”
When we talk about high blood sugar, most people immediately think of diabetes, but few people know that some changes in the skin are actually alarm bells from high blood sugar. These skin symptoms often appear before the condition worsens, but many people choose to ignore these early warnings due to a lack of knowledge. Today, we're going to take a deep dive into the effects of high blood sugar on the skin and how you can be able to warn of this common metabolic abnormality by observing changes in your skin. Don't wait until you're sick to regret not paying attention to these skin signals. Let's get started, know these warning signs, and take timely action to protect your health.
Skin changes reveal blood sugar secrets: the effects of high blood sugar on the skin
Hyperglycemia, medically known as abnormal glucose metabolism, not only affects the function of internal organs, but also leaves visible marks on the skin. These changes tend to manifest themselves after a longer period of elevated blood glucose, so early identification of these external signals is crucial.
First of all, high blood sugar can cause the skin to lose its original elasticity and radiance, resulting in dryness and itching. As blood sugar levels continue to rise, the high blood sugar state in the body can damage the small blood vessels, which in turn affects blood circulation, and the skin does not get enough nutrients and moisture, and the skin becomes dry. In addition, diabetic patients have weak skin repair ability, and once injured, the healing process is slow, and infections are prone to occur.
Be alert for these skin warning signs: early signs of high blood sugar
Xanthomasma: an alarm of systemic circulatory abnormalities
Xanthoma is a soft, yellow skin lesion that usually appears on the eyelids. This is because insulin resistance in the body increases, resulting in abnormal fat metabolism and the accumulation of lipoproteins under the skin. Xanthoma is not only a marker of abnormal glucose metabolism, but also suggests possible hyperlipidemia.
Itchy and dry skin: diabetic skin symptoms
Itching and dry skin are common symptoms of hyperglycemia, especially on large areas of skin on the extremities and trunk. The occurrence of this symptom, in addition to poor blood circulation, is also related to the inflammatory response in the body of diabetic patients.
Dark brown or black pachyderma: an outward sign of insulin resistance
Pachyderma, a dark brown or black color, is common on the neck, underarms, and other skin folds. This skin change is known as acromegaly and is caused by insulin resistance that causes overstimulation of skin cells. This symptom is often the result of a combination of increased blood pressure in the systemic arteries and abnormal glucose metabolism.
By looking at these changes on the skin, we can make a preliminary determination if there is a problem with blood sugar levels. Recognizing these early signs can help you take timely steps to adjust your lifestyle or seek medical help to avoid further health risks associated with high blood sugar.
Warning signs of high blood sugar: It's not just skin changes
When blood sugar levels are high for a long time, in addition to skin problems, it can cause a range of other symptoms that, if ignored, can lead to further worsening of diabetes. Understanding these symptoms is essential for early recognition and intervention.
Constant thirst and frequent urination: This is because high blood sugar forces the kidneys to work overtime to filter out excess glucose, causing fluid circulation to speed up.
Fatigue: When blood sugar is out of control, the body cannot effectively use glucose to produce energy, resulting in persistent fatigue and weakness.
Blurred vision: High blood sugar can temporarily alter the fluid balance in the eye, affecting the eye's ability to focus.
Self-diagnosing hyperglycemia: the key to mastering testing
Early recognition of hyperglycemia is essential to prevent diabetes and its complications. Here are some possible ways to self-test:
Proper use of home blood glucose meters:
Choosing an instrument: Choose a blood glucose meter that is highly accurate and easy to use.
Measurement time: Fasting and two hours after meals are critical moments for blood glucose measurement.
Record the results: The results of each measurement are continuously recorded to facilitate the observation of blood glucose trends.
Regular health check-ups:
Role of the doctor: Visit the doctor regularly for a comprehensive check of blood glucose levels, including an A1C test, which reflects the average blood sugar level over the past 2 to 3 months.
Skin exams: Since skin problems are closely associated with high blood sugar, a doctor should be asked to check for any unusual skin changes.
By understanding and monitoring these symptoms and employing the right self-testing methods, individuals are better able to manage their blood sugar levels and prevent further progression of diabetes. In addition, adopting positive lifestyle changes, such as eating properly and exercising regularly, are also key measures to control blood sugar.