Study: Psoriasis patients more prone to diabetes

Research links psoriasis, Type 2 diabetes

While psoriasis and Type 2 diabetes seem like completely different medical problems, a new study of more than 100,000 psoriasis patients shows there is a link, and doctors are taking note.

Psoriasis is caused by an imbalance in the immune system, and it affects 2 percent to 4 percent of the population worldwide. The symptoms of psoriasis include red, scaly, itchy patches on the skin.

Mercy Medical Center dermatologist Dr. Janet Lin said psoriasis patients have several other health issues they need to keep their eye on, including a new one researchers are just learning about.

"Psoriasis is an independent risk factor for heart disease, for stroke, for obesity and for depression, and now they're even finding that if you have severe psoriasis, you're twice as likely to develop Type 2 diabetes," Lin said.

The study was done in the United Kingdom and published earlier this year in the "Archives of Dermatology."

"The most recent studies show there was an increased risk with the severity of the psoriasis. We think that's due to inflammation in the blood stream. The psoriasis releases some markers, increases inflammation and leads to insulin resistance and, eventually, Type 2 diabetes," said Dr. Amber Taylor, the director of the Diabetes Center at Mercy.

She said although the risk is fairly low for most psoriasis patients, they should still be screened.

Brenda Phipps said she's been suffering with psoriasis for 16 years.

"It takes a toll on my life, daily. I have my good days, and I have my bad days. It's very depressing," she said.

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Study: Psoriasis patients more prone to diabetes