A new appraisal of dermatologic manifestations of diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus is a morbid and costly condition that carries a high burden of disease for patients and society as a whole. In dermatology, a great number of skin findings have been associated with diabetes, some demonstrating a stronger connection than others. Importantly, several cutaneous findings have systemic implications in patients with diabetes that should prompt the dermatologist to evaluate the conditions accordingly and, if necessary, communicate with the patient's primary care physician and other specialists. This column will explore some of the skin conditions associated with diabetes, examine the strengths of these associations, and discuss some potential underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms to provide dermatology residents with a proper framework for approaching patients with diabetes.