Can diabetes affect your nails?

Summary. People with diabetes are vulnerable to infections in and around the nails, including Gram-negative bacteria or fungi. Neuropathy and glycaemia increase the risk, as does damage to the nail or adjacent skin, for example by distorted or sharp-edged nails. It is vital to have good nail care in both hands and feet ...

What do your nails look like with diabetes?

In some people with diabetes, the nails take on a yellowish hue. Often this coloring has to do with the breakdown of sugar and its effect on the collagen in nails. This kind of yellowing isn't harmful. It doesn't need to be treated.

What fingernails would indicate diabetes?

A slight blush at bottom of the nail is sometimes a symptom of diabetes. A red nail bed could mean you have heart disease.

Does type 2 diabetes cause brittle nails?

The lower extremity consequences of diabetes is related to the poor peripheral circulation, neuropathy, and immunopathy. Sharp brittle nails can puncture the adjacent skin and escape notice due to the lack of sensation in the feet resulting in potential limb-threatening bacterial infections.

What does diabetes do to your fingers?

The fingers can become stiff and difficult to move. If diabetes has been poorly controlled for years, it can feel like you have pebbles in your fingertips. Hard, thick, and swollen-looking skin can spread, appearing on the forearms and upper arms. It can also develop on the upper back, shoulders, and neck.

5 Diabetic Nail Problems

What are 10 warning signs of diabetes?

What are the 3 most common symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes?

The three most common symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes include increased thirst, increased urination, and increased hunger. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that happens when blood sugar (glucose) is too high (hyperglycemia).

Does diabetes affect hair and nails?

People with diabetes are more likely to have a condition called alopecia areata. With alopecia, the immune system attacks the hair follicles, leading to patches of hair loss on the head and on other parts of the body. Diabetes itself can lead to hair loss.

Can your toenails indicate diabetes?

A thickening or hypertrophy of the nail plate of the toenail (without deformity). It typically includes discoloration or a loss of translucency. Though onychauxis can be a natural part of aging, it is also a common symptom of diabetes.

What do diabetic legs look like?

Also known as “shin spots,” the hallmark of diabetic dermopathy is light brown, scaly patches of skin, often occurring on the shins. These patches may be oval or circular. They're caused by damage to the small blood vessels that supply the tissues with nutrition and oxygen.

Can fingernails show signs of illness?

Did you know your nails can reveal clues to your overall health? A touch of white here, a rosy tinge there, or some rippling or bumps may be a sign of disease in the body. Problems in the liver, lungs, and heart can show up in your nails.

What are the signs of diabetes in a woman?

Does diabetes cause nail ridges?

While vertical ridges are typically harmless, horizontal ridges in your fingernails could be a sign of a problem. A condition called Beau's lines is a common cause of horizontal fingernail ridges. It is often associated with uncontrolled diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and zinc deficiencies.

How do you tell if you have diabetes by your feet?

What are Covid nails?

COVID nails are nail changes that happen a few days or weeks after a COVID-19 infection. They're either a sign that the infection stressed your body, or they could be a rare symptom of the infection itself, depending on your symptoms.

Does diabetes cause thick toenails?

Pay Attention to Your Health

Some medical conditions affect the condition of your toenails. The most common are diabetes and psoriasis. Diabetics often have reduced blood flow to their feet, which may cause thicker toenails or numbness.

What does diabetes do to your toes?

They can happen over time when high blood sugar damages the nerves and blood vessels in the feet. The nerve damage, called diabetic neuropathy, can cause numbness, tingling, pain, or a loss of feeling in your feet. If you can't feel pain, you may not know when you have a cut, blister, or ulcer (open sore) on your foot.

Why are my nails changing?

Like hair, nails undergo changes over time, due to disease, internal processes in the body as it ages, nutritional deficiencies, or external factors like long-term exposure to chemicals or ultraviolet light. The changes nails may undergo over time involve growth rate, texture, thickness, shape or contour, and color.

Why do I have ridges on my fingernails?

Vertical nail ridges are fairly common and nothing to worry about. Vertical nail ridges extend from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. With age, vertical nail ridges may become more numerous or prominent because of changes in cell turnover within the nail.

Why can't diabetics cut toenails?

Diabetes are more prone to infection, and fungi and bacteria can transfer from clipping or foot care tools to any open wounds.

What are the warning signs of prediabetes?

What are the first signs of being a diabetic?

How do you feel when your blood sugar is too high?

Hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) means there is too much sugar in the blood because the body lacks enough insulin. Associated with diabetes, hyperglycemia can cause vomiting, excessive hunger and thirst, rapid heartbeat, vision problems and other symptoms. Untreated hyperglycemia can lead to serious health problems.

What are the 7 warning signs of diabetes?

What are the 5 signs of diabetes?