Is Intermittent Fasting Safe for People with Diabetes?

Medically Reviewed by Dr Chandana, MBBS , MS

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels resulting from the body’s inability to produce or effectively use insulin.

Increased sugar level in blood for prolonged periods may cause damage to nerves, infections and circulation problems, this could reflect as redness, blisters, tingling sensation, skin discoloration, numbness, pain etc. Some of the common skin conditions patients with diabetes have are mentioned below:

Acanthosis Nigricans

Acanthosis nigricans

It is a medical condition that can be identified by velvety, poorly defined, brown-black skin hyperpigmentation particularly in the creases of the neck, groin, and armpits. It is not contagious or dangerous, and can be cured partially if the underlying cause is treated properly.

Diabetic Blisters

Diabetic blisters

Also known as Bullosis Diabeticorum, these non-inflammatory blisters are painful and uncomfortable fluid-filled sacs that form on the feet. It heals spontaneously within 2–6 weeks, leaving a darkened crust which dissolves over time. Lesions often heal on their own in two to six weeks, but they recur in the same or different places. It is possible for secondary infections to develop as well; these can be recognised by hazy blister fluid.

Diabetic blisters

Digital Sclerosis

Digital sclerosis

This condition causes the skin in the hands, fingers, and toes to become thick, tight, and waxy, and the joints in these areas to become stiff. Controlling blood glucose levels is the only treatment available. Moreover, moisturizers and lotions can help in softening the skin.

Fungal Infections

Fungal infections

 Fungal infections are frequent among diabetics, particularly those caused by the yeast-like fungus Candida albicans. These infections can result in moist regions of the skin developing an itchy, red rash with small blisters and scales. Onychomycosis is a common fungal infection of the fingernails and toenails. For diabetic individuals who have fungal infections, early identification and treatment are critical.

Fungal infections

Bacterial Infections

Bacterial infections

These infections can lead to boils, sties, folliculitis, and changes to the fingernails and toenails. Common bacterial infections in diabetics are emphysematous pyelonephritis, emphysematous cholecystitis, and malignant otitis externa. Prevention of bacterial infections can be done through maintaining strict glycemic control , getting vaccinated, keeping good care of your feet, and taking care of the infection’s cause. Antibiotics are often used to treat bacterial infections.

Skin Thickening

Skin thickening

 This condition can cause the skin to appear thickened, waxy, or edematous. It often affects the hands and feet. It occurs in three stages – thickened skin, scleredema diabeticorum, skin thickness as a predictor of diabetes progression.These patients are often asymptomatic but can have a reduction in sensation and pain.It can be managed by lifestyle modification, use of medications such as oral retinoids or topical keratolytics, and most importantly controlling blood glucose level.

Skin thickening

Itching

Skin thickening

This can be caused by poor blood flow, dry skin, or a yeast infection. 

Dry Skin

Dry skin

 Diabetes can cause extremely dry skin that can itch and crack. It can be managed using emollients, lotions, and soothing warm bath.

Dry skin

Slow Healing

Slow healing

Skin with diabetes may heal slowly.

Folliculitis

Folliculitis

It is a skin condition which involves the inflammation of hair follicles. It is typically due to an infection of the hair follicle and results in irritated pimple-like spots or pustules.It usually affects the hair-bearing areas of the body, often the arms, head, and face. It can be managed with topical antibiotic creams, oral antibiotics, light therapy, laser hair removal. It can be managed by a few home remedies such as warm compress, warm soothing bath and maintaining general hygiene. 

Folliculitis

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