Introduction to Cutaneous Manifestations of Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a health concern with a continuous increase globally. Dermatologists play an important role not only in the early detection but also in the follow up of diabetic patients. Complications of the disease are directly related to duration of Diabetes. Moreover, the hyperglycemic status and the insulin deficiency trigger multiple metabolic pathways such as non-enzymatic glycation or oxidative stress, and contribute to an abnormal cutaneous proliferation and differentiation. This chapter will be focus on the impact that Diabetes has on the skin, the multiple cutaneous mechanisms that could be affected, and the role of dermatologists in the detection and follow-up of diabetic patients.