Psoriasis and diabetes are two different conditions that are common comorbidities. This means that people with psoriasis are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers don’t fully understand the mechanisms behind this connection, but there is evidence that inflammation may play a role.
Research on psoriasis and diabetes and their connection is ongoing. However, scientists currently believe that inflammation from psoriasis can cause insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes.
It is important to manage both conditions and avoid possible complications. Certain lifestyle changes can also sometimes be effective in reducing the risk of comorbidities or in minimizing the symptoms of both disorders.
In this article, we discuss the relationship between psoriasis and type 2 diabetes, the prevalence of comorbidities, and treatment options.
Psoriasis is a skin condition in which the immune system mistakenly overreacts and attacks healthy tissue, causing skin cells to build up too quickly for the body to reject. As a result, inflamed raised areas with white or silvery flakes called plaques may appear all over the skin. Psoriasis can affect other areas of the body, such as the nails and scalp. In some cases, inflammation affects the joints, leading to psoriatic arthritis.
The medical community defines psoriasis as an autoimmune disease in which the immune system overworks in response to certain triggers. Factors that can increase your risk of psoriasis include infections, medications, smoking, and obesity.
Diabetes is a condition that affects the body’s ability to process blood sugar. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.
In type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, the body cannot produce the hormone insulin because the immune system attacks the cells that perform this function. In type 2 diabetes, the body either does not make enough insulin or becomes resistant to it. This is the most common type of diabetes and has a strong association with obesity.
There is evidence of a clear link between psoriasis and type 2 diabetes. People with psoriasis are at higher risk of developing various metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes.
Researchers are still investigating the exact reason for the association, but there is evidence that some factors may play a role.
A 2019 study highlights that psoriasis is linked to systemic inflammation. These include inflammation in several organ systems, which may explain the increased risk of metabolic disorders such as diabetes. Research also suggests that there may be metabolic genetic links between the two disorders.
Another possible link is that psoriasis contributes to diabetes by increasing insulin resistance. A 2018 study on the skin of mice and humans shows that skin inflammation from psoriasis can lead to insulin resistance, which is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
A 2020 study suggests that diabetes and psoriasis also share similar mechanisms that cause disease. Together, the conditions can lead to more cell and tissue damage, creating a vicious circle.
Both disorders are also linked to similar risk factors such as obesity, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease. The authors of a 2017 article also suggest that psoriasis might actually be an independent risk factor for diabetes.
Diabetes and psoriasis are common comorbidities for each other, which means that both often affect the same person. There is evidence that both conditions are fairly common in the United States, with more than 8 million people suffering from psoriasis and more than 34 million people suffering from diabetes.
Although little information is available about the prevalence of comorbid psoriasis and diabetes, research suggests that the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in people with mild or severe psoriasis is around 37.4% and 41%, respectively. This finding suggests that the risk of developing diabetes may increase with the severity of psoriasis.
There is currently no cure for psoriasis or diabetes. Instead, treatments focus on treating the condition.
For psoriasis, treatments aim to reduce symptoms by decreasing inflammation, stopping skin cells from growing rapidly, removing dandruff, and avoiding potential triggers for flare-ups.
For diabetes, treatments aim to keep blood sugar levels stable and at healthy levels through a combination of diet, exercise, and synthetic insulin.
For people with both conditions or other comorbidities, doctors can adjust the treatment approach to avoid complications. For example, if a particular treatment for psoriasis affects another person’s health condition, doctors may recommend other treatments.
Home remedies that focus on lifestyle changes are an important part of treating psoriasis and diabetes.
Eat a nutritious diet
Among other health benefits, eating a balanced diet can help a person better manage their diabetes and prevent possible complications. Likewise, good nutrition can help reduce the severity of psoriasis symptoms. Certain eating habits can also help reduce the chance of developing comorbidities and reduce inflammation in the body.
Exercise regularly
Regular exercise keeps the body healthy and can also play a role in treating diabetes and psoriasis. Regular exercise can reduce stress and strengthen the immune system, which can help with psoriasis. It can also help with diabetes by keeping blood sugar levels within target ranges.
People can also exercise regularly to control other risk factors for these disorders. For example, it can help a person control their weight.
Maintain a moderate weight
Steps like a nutritious diet and regular exercise can also help a person manage their weight. Since obesity is a risk factor for both conditions, maintaining a moderate weight is an important step in reducing the risk.
reduce stress
Stress is a potential trigger for psoriasis flare-ups and can also make it difficult for a person to control their blood sugar levels. Hence, finding ways to reduce stress can help manage these conditions.
The most effective stress management techniques can vary from person to person, but common approaches include:
Other lifestyle adjustments
Other lifestyle adjustments that are good for health and potentially reduce symptoms of psoriasis and diabetes include reducing alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, and getting enough sleep.
A doctor should work with a person with psoriasis, type 2 diabetes, or both to help them manage and control symptoms. A person may also benefit from seeing a dermatologist for skin problems or an endocrinologist for a diabetes treatment plan.
Working with general practitioners and specialists to control and treat these conditions can improve a person’s quality of life.
Anyone who notices worrying symptoms or possible complications should see a doctor.
Psoriasis and diabetes are common comorbidities for each other, which means that people with psoriasis are much more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than other people. Both conditions have similar risk factors and affect the immune system and inflammation.
Proper management of both conditions is important to promoting good health and reducing risk factors for other comorbidities. Through treatments and lifestyle changes, people may be able to control both conditions and prevent potential complications.
