Can diabetes cause itchy skin?

Diabetes can cause pruritus (itchy skin), but not all cases of pruritus are attributable to diabetes. Most cases result from dry air or allergic skin conditions. In diabetes, elevated blood glucose levels can damage cutaneous nerves, leading to pruritus; the prevalence of pruritus among diabetic patients ranges from 10% to 40%. Moreover, diabetic patients with concomitant dermatitis, eczema, or other skin disorders often experience delayed wound healing. Therefore, strict glycemic control is essential in diabetes management to prevent complications.