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Skin itching in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Diabetes mellitus is a dangerous and unpleasant disease that not only causes discomfort to a person, but also significantly limits his or her viability. Many patients recognize itching in diabetes as one of the most unpleasant phenomena. Itching can be strong and annoying. Sometimes it becomes unbearable and practically brings a person to nervous overstrain.
Does itching occur with diabetes?
Diabetes is very often accompanied by itching, since this disease is based on metabolic disorders. This entails an increased load on all systems, including the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. As a result, the body develops increased sensitivity and susceptibility. Sometimes itching is a consequence of an allergic reaction that develops against the background of metabolic disorders.
Causes itchy skin with diabetes
There may be many reasons. First of all, these are internal processes occurring in the body. These may be allergic, autoimmune diseases, disruption of the normal functioning of the nervous and endocrine systems. In some cases, the cause may be congenital increased sensitivity of the nervous system, as well as disruption of the general biochemical cycle, including obesity, exhaustion and other processes.
Risk factors
The risk group includes people suffering from disorders of the immune, endocrine, nervous system, suffering from excess or insufficient body weight. Risk factors include both excessive and insufficient nutrition, metabolic disorders, insufficient nutrition, lack of vitamins and minerals in the body, insufficient drinking. Also at risk are people who consume excessive amounts of sweets, fatty, smoked, fried foods containing large amounts of cholesterol.
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Pathogenesis
The pathogenesis is based on the disruption of general processes in the body, and as a consequence, disruptions at the local level. In this case, an excessive amount of glucose accumulates in the blood. The kidneys are unable to process the excessive amount of sugar entering the body with food. Or the cause may be a disruption of kidney function, in particular, its absorption processes. This leads to excessive accumulation of fluid in the body. Along with it, toxins and metabolic products accumulate, which negatively affect further metabolic processes. Intoxication increases, tissue and cellular metabolism are disrupted at the local level.
Hormonal imbalance is also disrupted. In particular, the function of the adrenal glands and pancreas. As a result, hormonal imbalance is significantly disrupted, including the mechanism of carbohydrate metabolism regulation, which manifests itself in sugar metabolism disruption.
Gradually, excessive amounts of glucose (as the end product of carbohydrate metabolism in the body) accumulate. Glucose accumulates in cells, enters the intercellular space, which leads to a change in the overall carbohydrate metabolism. As a result, the process may stop there, or it may worsen, which will lead to the progression of the disease. Excessive accumulation of glucose leads to disruption of local blood circulation.
Epidemiology
According to statistics, diabetes mellitus occurs mainly in people over 60 years of age. However, today there is a tendency for the disease to become younger: it occurs even in people under 55-60 years of age. Sometimes diabetes occurs in the younger generation, and even in children. Thus, the share of morbidity among the elderly accounts for approximately 65% of diseases, in people under 60 years of age this disease accounts for approximately 25% of morbidity, in adolescence accounts for 6% and approximately 4% occurs in children under 10 years of age. At the same time, approximately 68% of diabetes cases are accompanied by severe itching. Itching most often bothers children and adolescents (78% of cases), 15% of cases occur in mature people and only 3% occur in elderly people.
Symptoms
The first sign is a strong burning sensation and itching. At the same time, irritation occurs on the skin, anywhere. The skin can be dry, tight, peeling and roughness appear. Gradually, the skin can peel off. Dandruff often develops in the hair area.
What is itching like in diabetes?
Itching, as a rule, can be characterized as constant, annoying. It often interferes with sleep, as it can cause nervous tension, and even a nervous breakdown. At the same time, there is also a burning sensation, redness, irritated areas. Itching is especially intense at night. In the evening it becomes stronger, by the morning, as a rule, it decreases.
With diabetes, the skin suffers quite a lot. Various rashes and irritations appear on it, which are accompanied by itching. There are also cases in which the skin is absolutely clean, without any rashes or irritations. However, the itching causes great concern.
Itching of the body in diabetes
Diabetes is often accompanied by itching. Not only the head, arms, legs, but the whole body itches. In most cases, itching is caused by allergic reactions, excessive accumulation of metabolic products and toxins in the body. Itching can also occur due to an allergic reaction. Increased skin sensitivity, sensitization of the body, excessive glucose levels in the blood can lead to the development of itching. Itching is often accompanied by a rash, redness of the skin, irritation.
Itching in the intimate area with diabetes
The cause may be a change in the general hormonal background, as well as increased glucose levels in the blood. All this leads to the fact that the normal state of the microflora on the mucous membranes of the urogenital tract is disrupted. This leads to the development of irritation, an inflammatory process. At the same time, under the influence of an increasing titer of glucose, irritation of the mucous membrane increases, which leads to redness, itching, and the appearance of an unpleasant odor. Itching can develop as a result of the appearance of abundant discharge that accompanies any inflammatory and infectious process.
The danger of itching in the perineum, genitals and anus is that it is almost always accompanied by the intensive development of fungal and bacterial infections. High blood glucose levels undermine human immunity, so the immunity of a person with diabetes is a priori reduced. Also, all patients have hormonal imbalances. Any infection progresses against the background of reduced immunity. The inflammatory process also progresses.
Women are the first to suffer from itching of the genitals, since this is facilitated by the peculiarities of the anatomical structure of the female genitals, as well as some functional features and physiological needs of the female body.
A dangerous complication of itching in intimate places is the development of a fungal infection. Most often, candidiasis develops, which is also called thrush. Candidiasis is caused by a fungal infection - a fungus of the genus Candida. The mechanism of infection development is as follows: the level of glucose in the blood increases. This entails a decrease in immunity, a disruption of the hormonal background. As a result, a disruption of the microflora develops. First of all, the microflora of the urogenital tract is disrupted, since this is the most dynamic biotope.
Violation of microflora leads to dysbacteriosis, in which the amount of normal microflora decreases and the amount of pathogenic microflora increases. This can be a bacterial infection, a fungal infection.
Itchy feet in diabetes
Quite often, itching affects the legs. This is due to the fact that the main load falls on the legs of any person. It is known that diabetes is accompanied by an increase in the amount of glucose in the blood. This entails a number of negative consequences, such as disruption of the normal state of blood vessels, a decrease in the speed of blood circulation, disruption of blood circulation processes, a decrease in the elasticity and resilience of blood vessels. All this negatively affects the condition of the leg vessels first of all. Possible varicose veins and the development of atherosclerosis act as aggravating factors.
Itching and burning in diabetes
These symptoms most often affect the legs, perineum, groin, head. Sometimes itching and burning of the whole body are noted. The cause of the development of itching and burning is a violation of the normal functioning of the immune system, hormonal imbalance, and the development of dysbacteriosis. All this is accompanied by a violation of normal metabolism, in particular, carbohydrate metabolism is disrupted. As a result of such violations, excessive accumulation of glucose in the blood occurs. This continues to disrupt metabolic processes, contributes to the accumulation of metabolites in the body, circulating immune cells.
Increased amounts of glucose in the blood contribute to the development of inflammatory and infectious reactions, negatively affecting the condition of blood vessels. Their elasticity and flexibility are lost. Exudate, inflammatory and infectious processes may develop. Irritation and redness often occur on the surface of the body, which entails itching and burning.
Itching in the groin and perineum in diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is accompanied by itching, which most often occurs in the perineum and groin area. With adequate treatment, it is quite easy to get rid of itching. If the symptom is not treated, more serious complications may develop, in particular, itching turns into a burning sensation, or into a chronic condition. Sometimes itching moves from the groin area to the whole body. Often the cause is an increased level of glucose in the blood. Its production can increase under the influence of stress, in the sun, with age. Therefore, it is important for diabetics to control their blood glucose levels.
Itching is not always caused by high blood glucose levels. It is necessary to make sure that it is not the result of environmental factors. Thus, itching can be a skin reaction to various irritants, unfavorable factors. Ultraviolet light and some cosmetics also have a negative effect. Itching can be caused by the negative impact of new technologies, skin care products, and hair removal techniques. Itching that occurs after using an epilator or cosmetic procedures is often confused with itching that occurs as a result of metabolic disorders due to diabetes.
Various diseases of internal organs can cause itching. Inflammation is a natural reaction to destructive processes that occur in the body under the influence of high glucose levels. This is also due to the fact that the load on the body, on the main organs and systems increases significantly. For example, diabetes is most often accompanied by itching, observed in diseases of the kidneys, liver, adrenal glands and pancreas.
Itching and burning can be a consequence of hypovitaminosis. They are especially pronounced with a lack of vitamins A, PP, C. Quite often, the cause is allergic reactions, skin irritation with synthetic fabrics. This can be especially pronounced in women who wear nylon tights. They have a high degree of electrification, as a result of which they can disrupt microcirculation and air exchange, which leads to the development of itching, additional burning. This should also include improper nutrition, frequent stress, and metabolic disorders.
It is necessary to take into account that the sensitivity of the skin with diabetes increases significantly. The reasons may be different: itching develops when local blood circulation is disrupted, certain areas are compressed by tight clothing or accessories. Thus, there may be many causes of the pathology, and it is impossible to determine the exact cause without diagnostics. Therefore, you need to contact a doctor as soon as possible, who will prescribe the necessary examination, make a diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment.
Itchy scalp in diabetes
The head often itches with diabetes, and there can be many reasons for this. Nobody knows the exact cause of the development of scalp itching to this day. So, it can be assumed that itching develops as a result of reduced immunity, against the background of impaired metabolic processes. This is especially true for carbohydrate metabolism disorders. It is known that itching also develops against the background of intoxication, increased stress on the body, allergization and sensitization of the body. It is also necessary to take into account that the sensitivity of the skin increases significantly against the background of increased glucose levels.
Itching in the anus in diabetes
The anus may itch because the sensitization and sensitivity of the body increases. It is also necessary to conduct differential diagnostics, making sure that these are not helminthic or other invasive diseases. It is also worth excluding an allergic reaction, intoxication. To do this, you need to visit a doctor who will conduct diagnostics and prescribe the necessary treatment. Laboratory and instrumental diagnostics are used as tests. Blood tests (biochemical, clinical, blood for sugar), urine and feces analysis, as well as scrapings can be quite informative.
Severe itching in diabetes
If severe itching occurs, it is necessary to conduct a diagnosis, since there can be many reasons, and the treatment of itching is mainly etiological, that is, aimed at eliminating the main causes of the development of pathology.
In order to diagnose the disease, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. An examination and survey will be required. During the survey, the doctor collects anamnesis of life and disease, the analysis of which can provide a lot of important information. It is the survey and collection of anamnesis that help the doctor determine the exact cause of the pathology.
Having received all the necessary information, the doctor can already judge the causes of the disease, the features of pathogenesis, clinical forms, and make certain forecasts. Then the doctor examines the patient. Classical research methods are usually used, such as palpation, percussion, auscultation. If necessary, laboratory and instrumental research methods can be prescribed, which depend on the organ in which the possible pathology is located.
In case of severe itching, additional diagnostics in the form of tests and instrumental diagnostics are almost always required. Most often, clinical tests are prescribed: blood, urine, feces. They allow you to assess the general direction of the processes occurring in the body. Based on these general data, you can determine the course of further diagnostics depending on what pathology is suspected. Additional tests may be prescribed.
Smears and scrapings are also taken directly from the site of itching. In case of a disease of unclear etiology, a study is conducted on latent infections, parasitic diseases. Instrumental diagnostics depends on what pathology the doctor suspects. For example, if a gastrointestinal disease is suspected, gastroscopy, radiography, ultrasound, colonoscopy may be required. If respiratory diseases are suspected, a spirogram, radiography, and functional tests are performed. If diseases of the heart and circulatory system are suspected, an electrocardiogram, ultrasound of the heart, and other studies are prescribed.
The most global method of examination is magnetic resonance imaging, which allows assessing the condition of the skeletal system and soft tissues. The scale of the procedure is such that the entire body can be examined as a whole. The advantage of the method is that it allows identifying possible pathologies at the earliest stages of their formation, which makes it possible to take the necessary measures in a timely manner and eliminate the pathology at early stages, or prevent it.
Itching in diabetes in men
Itching develops less frequently in men than in women. However, it is much stronger and more annoying in intensity, and it is more difficult to get rid of. Therefore, it is important to prevent itching or stop its progression at an early stage. For this, diagnostics are important.
First of all, it is necessary to determine whether the itching is an independent manifestation of some skin disease, allergic or other reaction, or is a symptom of diabetes. For this, laboratory and instrumental diagnostics are carried out.
It is also important to determine the exact cause of the itching. The simplest method of treatment is etiological, aimed at eliminating the cause of the pathology. The faster the cause is eliminated, the faster the disease will be cured.
Itching in diabetes in women
In women, itching develops mainly in the urogenital tract, genitourinary organs, since this is the most vulnerable area of the woman's body. This is due to the peculiarities of the anatomical structure and physiology of the woman's body, the state of the immune system and hormonal background. In order to cure itching, you need to see a doctor. Perhaps you will need to consult a gynecologist-endocrinologist.
Vaginal itching in diabetes
The main reason for the development of this pathology is most often vaginal dysbacteriosis, against the background of which the amount of normal microflora decreases. This place is immediately occupied by pathogenic microflora, which entails the development of the inflammatory process.
Any infection usually develops against the background of reduced immunity, which develops against the background of hormonal imbalances, metabolic disorders, and vitamin deficiency. Dysbacteriosis also acts as one of the factors that disrupts the condition of the mucous membrane and microflora.
The basis of the female reproductive system biotope is represented by vaginal biovariants of saccharolytic microorganisms. They are called "Doderlein" bacteria. The development of these microorganisms is accompanied by intensive synthesis of lactic acid. This acid forms an optimal environment that promotes the development of representatives of normal microflora.
It is also important that such an environment prevents the colonization of the biotope by acid-sensitive microorganisms, which are most often pathogens. This property is called colonization resistance, the essence of which is that representatives of normal microflora do not allow representatives of pathogenic flora to develop. If the level of glucose in the blood increases, the environment also changes: the hormonal background changes, immunity decreases, and the natural environment in various biotopes changes. This entails a change in the bacterial population, the main representatives. As a result, the number of lactobacilli decreases, and their place is taken by other organisms that are pathogenic or opportunistic. They can cause irritation, swelling, itching, disease.
Who to contact?
Diagnostics itchy skin with diabetes
In order to differentiate itching caused by diabetes from other diseases, it is necessary to first establish a diagnosis. The diagnosis is based on the clinical picture of the pathology, as well as the data of diagnostic studies. If necessary, differential diagnostics are carried out.
Thus, it is characterized by polyuria, thirst, increased appetite and at the same time emaciation, periodontal disease, sluggish wound healing, furunculosis. Often the leading symptom is itching, which helps to identify the disease. Sometimes there is pain in the legs. In general, diabetes diagnosis is simple and is possible even after random determination of the sugar level in the urine or blood. It can also be asymptomatic, but with high hyperglycemia (over 6.66 mmol / l), which is determined on an empty stomach and with a typical glycemic curve.
Itching occurs as a result of skin lesions that are non-specific. For example, sometimes the skin develops a blush on the cheeks and upper eyelids as a result of dilation of the capillary system. Yellowness appears on the palms, caused by a violation of the synthesis of vitamin A in the liver. High concentration of glucose in the skin causes its defeat by pustular and fungal diseases. With decompensated diabetes, the skin becomes dry, wounds heal slowly. Tissue trophism is disrupted; intense keratinization of the skin of the feet, thickening of the nails.
Vascular damage is observed at all levels, in particular nephropathy. In this case, capillaries undergo aneurysmal changes, the main membrane changes (towards thickening), lipids and glycogen are deposited in the intima. Microangiopathy is observed in young patients, after 30-40 years, microangiopathic ones join the indicated shifts.
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Tests
The sugar content in the urine is significant. The determination is carried out using the glucose oxidant test according to Nylander. In the presence of glucose in the urine, yellow litmus paper turns blue. Ketone bodies in the blood are determined using the iodometric and colorimetric methods. In the blood of healthy people, their content is usually within 146.2-172 μmol/l. Acetone in urine is most often determined using indicator tablets.
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Instrumental diagnostics
The glucose tolerance test allows us to detect changes in endocrine function. In this case, the sugar level is determined on an empty stomach and every 30 minutes for 2-3 hours after taking 50 grams of glucose dissolved in 200 grams of water. In case of impaired glucose tolerance, after an hour of loading, glycemia is higher than 11.11 mmol/l and after 2 hours exceeds 8.32 mmol/l.
The Staub-Traugott double glucose load tests differ from the previous study by the repeated introduction of glucose 90 minutes after the first. In healthy individuals, the sugar curve with such a load is characterized by one glycemia peak 30 minutes after the first load and a return to normal glycemia after 2-3 hours. In case of carbohydrate metabolism disorders, 2 glycemia peaks are detected.
If there is a suspicion of impaired absorption of glucose in the intestine, a test is performed with intravenous glucose administration. Fasting glycemia and every 10 minutes for 1.5 hours after the slow administration of 10 ml of a 50% glucose solution. In healthy individuals, blood sugar levels return to normal after 90-120 minutes, and in diabetes, they remain elevated.
The glycocorticosteroid test is based on the fact that glycocorticosteroids increase the tissues' need for insulin. By increasing neoglycolysis in the liver, they lead to a more significant increase in glycemia in individuals with insular apparatus deficiency. This test is performed in individuals under 45 years of age 2-3 days after a normal glucose tolerance test. 8 and 2.5 hours before taking 50 grams of glucose, the subject takes 50 grams of cortisone or 10 mg of prednisolone. Then, the glycemic curve is studied for 2 hours. In healthy individuals, glycocorticosteroids do not affect the glycemic level.
Differential diagnosis
Should be carried out with renal glucosuria, renal diabetes, alimentary glucosuria, bronze and diabetes insipidus.
Renal diabetes occurs due to genetic defects in the mechanism of glucose reabsorption – the absence or decrease in the activity of the enzymes hexokinase and alkaline phosphatase.
Bronze diabetes is a serious liver disease. To confirm the diagnosis, the amount of serum iron is looked at, liver and skin biopsies are examined.
Treatment itchy skin with diabetes
Treatment of itching is mainly etiological, that is, it is aimed at eliminating the cause of the pathology. First, it is necessary to cure the underlying disease - diabetes itself, and itching, as one of the symptoms, will disappear on its own. Complex treatment is used, which is aimed at normalizing all types of metabolic processes. Includes diet therapy and hypoglycemic drugs, insulin replacement therapy.
Complications and consequences
Itching can be complicated by intensive spread to other parts of the body, as well as throughout the body. Itching can be difficult to fight. Also, one of the complications can be skin irritation, development of rashes, spots, redness, peeling and various skin diseases. Allergic reactions are also considered as a complication. Itching in diabetes can be accompanied by pain, burning.
Prevention
It comes down to the prevention and elimination of diabetes mellitus as the main disease. The main method of treatment and prevention of any form of diabetes is diet. Treatment with one diet is prescribed to people with impaired glucose tolerance and with a mild form of diabetes mellitus. By prescribing a diet with reduced or reduced caloric content, it is possible to increase or decrease the body weight of patients.
Often, weight loss in obese diabetics leads to normalization of carbohydrate metabolism. The amount of carbohydrates is reduced. It is recommended to use xylitol, sorbitol, saccharin instead of glucose. The amount of protein, on the contrary, is increased, since it is intensively broken down. It should be taken into account that its increase can cause a metallic taste in the mouth, as well as irritation of the alimentary canal and kidneys. Protein should be limited only in case of kidney damage with signs of nitrogenous waste retention, as well as in a comatose state. To prevent dehydration, there is no need to limit the amount of liquid.
Forecast
In general, the prognosis is favorable. Itching in diabetes is cured completely if diabetes is cured. If diabetes is not treated, the itching will not only not disappear, but will progress.