Severe Psoriasis and Diabetes: How Are They Related?

According to a study conducted in the United Kingdom, people suffering from psoriasis are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and the risk increases with the severity of psoriasis. Research continues to show the connection between type 2 diabetes and psoriasis, and it is important for individuals with skin ailments to pay attention to their general body health.

In a study done at the University of Pennsylvania, 100, 000 patients with psoriasis were compared with around 430,000 patients who did not have the condition. The results revealed that people with psoriasis (severe) were forty-six percent more likely to suffer from type 2 diabetes as compared to those who did not have the ailment.

The study also showed that individuals who had less severe psoriasis had about 11% higher chances of acquiring type 2 diabetes. Severe psoriasis also increases the risk for heart diseases, cardiovascular problems, stroke, and metabolic syndrome.

Results of a study done at the University of Pennsylvania in the year 2013 revealed that psoriasis is associated with several complications of diabetes such as those affecting the kidneys (nephropathy), eyes (retinopathy), blood vessels (vasculopathy), and nerves (neuropathy).