Psoriasis is a chronic condition which leads to inflamed patches on your skin. It has been often questioned whether diabetes can be a risk factor for developing this condition and vice versa. However, both of these conditions can be managed with the right lifestyle changes and medication.
Since August is the Psoriasis Awareness Month, let us try and understand the link with psoriasis and diabetes – What are their risk factors, symptoms and treatment?
Psoriasis and Diabetes – What Is The Link?
Both psoriasis and diabetes are interlinked, which means that one can have an adverse impact upon the other. People who are suffering from psoriasis are more likely to have Type 2 diabetes. Also, when you have Type 2 Diabetes, you have a greater risk of developing Psoriasis.
The risk factor for both diabetes and psoriasis is obesity. Being overweight or having an inactive lifestyle can aggravate your existing condition and increase your chance of developing it.
While Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune condition, Type 2 Diabetes can be caused due to consuming an unhealthy diet, not having a workout regime, consuming too much alcohol, etc.
Psoriasis – What Are The Symptoms?
Symptoms of psoriasis include the following-
- Inflamed and raised patches on the skin
- Burning and itching around the patches
- Dryness that leads to cracks or bleeding
- Soreness on the patches
- Changes in your nails
In some cases, psoriasis may also lead to swollen joints. This condition is known as psoriatic Arthritis. People with Psoriatic Arthritis are at a greater risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes include frequent urination, increased thirst, fatigue, slow wound healing, hunger, blurry vision, etc. One should always watch out for these symptoms and speak to their doctor/health coach if the condition aggravates.
Read More : Diabetes and Bone Disorders- Risk Factors, Symptoms and Treatment
How To Manage Psoriasis And Diabetes?
For psoriasis, a number of topical creams can be used to reduce inflammation around the affected area. Some of these creams include moisturisers, salicylic acid, Vitamin D analogs, retinoids, UV therapy.
If one has both diabetes and psoriasis, it can be managed with some lifestyle changes. In order to keep your sugar levels under control, you should resort to the following measures-
- Eat a healthy and fibre-rich diet
- Exercise on a regular basis
- Keep your stress levels under control
- Cut down on your alcohol consumption
- Lose weight if necessary
- Keep a tab on your sugar levels
- Avoid fried and sugary food
- Keep yourself hydrated
Follow all the measures prescribed by your doctor or health coach to keep your sugar levels under control. Also, do not forget to monitor your sugar levels on a regular basis using a blood sugar monitor. Only when you know whether your sugar level is high, low or within the controlled range, will you be able to optimise your diet and lifestyle.
Keep monitoring your sugar levels with BeatO.
Author – Sakshi Poptani
