Is There a Connection Between Psoriasis and Diabetes?

New findings might explain why people who have psoriasis have a chance of developing type 2 diabetes. In fact, studies show a connection between type 2 diabetes and psoriasis. Also, they show the importance for people with psoriasis to pay more attention to their skin.

Studies About the Link Between Diabetes and Psoriasis

The journal Diabetes Care published a study in August 2013. This study followed around 52,000 people with psoriasis from the age of 10 to 13. This study compared them with the rest of the population. The researchers came to the discovery that people with psoriasis, no matter whether it is severe or mild, have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. And the more serious the psoriasis is, the higher the risk for diabetes development. The University of Pennsylvania made a study on this topic. This study was published in Jama Dermatology in September 2012. The study compared around 100,000 people who have psoriasis to approximately 430,000 people who do not have psoriasis. The researchers came to the discovery that people with a severe case of psoriasis were 46 % more likely to have type 2 diabetes. This is in comparison to those who do not have psoriasis. Moreover, people with a mild case of psoriasis had around 11 % increased risk of obtaining type 2 diabetes.

Psoriasis Links with Many Diabetes Complications

Psoriasis complications include an increased risk of stroke, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome linked to cardiovascular issues. Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania made a study on this topic. The study was published in Jama Dermatology in October 2013. According to this study, psoriasis links with many diabetes-related complications. Complications like those affecting the blood vessels, i.e., vasculopathy, the eyes, i.e., retinopathy, the nerves, i.e., neuropathy, and the kidneys, i.e., nephropathy. Furthermore, you should know that type 2 diabetes and psoriasis are affected by lifestyle. In fact, both diseases link to particular lifestyle habits. Those lifestyle habits are an unhealthy diet, smoking, and drinking alcohol. In addition, specific treatments for psoriasis might make blood glucose and cholesterol levels difficult to control.

What Should You Do

It is crucial to get regular screening for high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. Also, you need to consult your doctors; this includes your primary care physician and dermatologist about the possible risk of diabetes and psoriasis. Finally, the most important thing is to treat flares and keep up with your treatment. Remember, for everything it is best to consult your doctor. If you find this article useful, share it with your friends and family.