Psoriasis ups diabetes risk in women

Women suffering from the chronic skin disorder psoriasis are placed at an increased risk of developing diabetes and high blood pressure. Psoriasis is a non-contagious autoimmune condition characterized by red and dry flakes along with skin scales secondary to the rapid production of skin cells. The disease commonly affects the skin of the elbows, knees, scalp and ears. A new study considers the condition as a systemic disorder rather than simply a skin disease. Compared to psoriasis-free individuals, diabetes and hypertension are more frequently reported among psoriasis sufferers. Previous studies had reported obesity and smoking as factors leading to an increased risk of diabetes and hypertension in these patients; a new study however reveals this link regardless of the patient's weight, age and smoking status. According to the study published in the Archives of Dermatology, the inflammatory nature of the disease is a plausible mechanism contributing to the high incidence of high blood pressure and insulin resistance in these patients. Scientists hope to find newer treatments for tackling the disease and its systematic effects.