Dermatologic manifestation of diabetes

With the rising incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in the US, it is of paramount importance that practitioners understand the complications of DM and how best to manage them. Diabetes affects every organ system and the skin is no exception. There are numerous cutaneous manifestations of DM that have similar etiologies and result from the same pathologic mechanisms as the internal complications of this disease state. In addition, skin manifestations may precede the diagnosis of diabetes. The present article reviews both the common and less common cutaneous manifestations of DM, including presenting lesions, pathogenesis, and management.