Metabolic Syndrome and the Skin: A More Than Superficial Association
February 2018
in “
Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome
”
TLDR Some skin conditions may indicate metabolic syndrome, which could help with early detection and management of related health issues.
The 2018 review by Stefanadi et al. examined the link between metabolic syndrome (MeTS) and various skin conditions, suggesting that diseases like psoriasis, acne, rosacea, hidradenitis suppurativa, and androgenic alopecia may be associated with MeTS components such as insulin resistance. The severity of these skin conditions might reflect the severity of MeTS. The review proposed that skin diseases could serve as indicators of metabolic status, potentially leading to earlier detection and management of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation are considered possible common pathways linking skin conditions with MeTS. The document emphasized the need for screening and lifestyle management in patients with skin diseases to reduce MeTS risk and noted that MeTS might contribute to more intense skin aging. However, the review did not provide specific participant numbers from the studies it summarized.