The incidence of diabetes has risen sharply in the U.S. in recent years. Naturally, so have the complications associated with it, and one of the most common is skin-related. Diabetic-related skin conditions can have serious consequences unless they are controlled. Our skin is the first line of defense against infection, so it's important to keep it healthy so it can play its vital, protective role.
One of the most common problems is dehydration. When blood sugar is high, the body turns water to urine in an attempt to eliminate the excess sugar in the bloodstream. The body loses fluid, causing skin to become dry. Compounding the problem, some diabetics' skin doesn't sweat properly, especially on the legs and feet, because the sweat glands don't get the message to perspire due to diabetic neuropathy, causing the skin to become even drier and more brittle.
Diabetes can cause changes in the skin. At times your skin may become very dry and may peel and crack. Often the problem is that the nerves that control sweating no longer work. Therefore chances of developing diabetic ulcers or other diabetic problems is drastically increased.

Proper diabetic skin care should be a part of every diabetics daily routine.

(The adaptation above courtesy of http://diabeticfootcare.tripod.com/ & The American Diabetes Association)