Type 2 Diabetes - Having Psoriasis Can Lead To Insulin Resistance

Psoriasis is a hereditary, non-contagious, inflammatory skin disease. People diagnosed with psoriasis have high levels of the inflammatory molecules IL-6 and TNF-alpha. Having high levels of these inflammatory molecules on a permanent basis is thought to cause:

• clogged blood vessels,


• insulin resistance,


• high blood pressure, and


• Type 2 diabetes.

Researchers at the Goztepe Training and Research Hospital in Instanbul, Turkey, looked at the number of people diagnosed with the metabolic syndrome in a population of people with psoriasis, compared to individuals without the skin condition.

This study, published in April 2011 in the Scientific World Journal, included:

• 115 people diagnosed with psoriasis, and


• 140 participants with healthy skin.

The group of people with psoriasis had more cases of the metabolic syndrome, and it was more common after the age of 40.

From this information, it was concluded since psoriasis patients are at high risk for Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and the metabolic syndrome, they should be treated as soon as diagnosed and watched closely for Type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, meaning the immune system mistakes skin cells for invaders and attacks them. The skin becomes inflamed and skin cells multiply far too fast. It was named for the Greek word for itchy, because of the dryness and irritation seen in the condition. It is manifested by red patches often covered with white scales.

Topical medications combine moisturizers with cortisone to reduce inflammation. Oatmeal baths are also used to sooth the skin and reduce itching, and sun exposure in moderation can reduce the speed of skin cell reproduction. People with psoriasis often find their skin gets better during the summer months and in warm, sunny climates.

Oral medications: Methotrexate and cyclosporine are two medications taken orally. Methotrexate, also used for some types of cancer, slows down the rapid cell reproduction. Cyclosporine, used also to prevent graft rejection, acts by slowing down the immune system.

Biological medications: These are the most effective treatment. They work by blocking some of the immune system's action, and must be taken only when no infection is present. They are injected just under the skin, and the frequency of injections depends upon the kind of medication injected, and the dose.

One advantage the biologicals have over topicals is they are also effective against psoriatic arthritis.

• Enbrel is injected under the skin twice weekly for three months and then once a week. Patients quickly become adept at injecting it at home.


• Humira is also injected under the skin, every other week.


• Stelara is injected twice, four weeks apart, and then once every twelve weeks.


• Remicade is given by IV injection in a doctor's office.

Individuals who have psoriasis or suspect they do should see a dermatologist. Even if the rash is considered only a minor nuisance, it should be treated to prevent any complications.