Diabetes and Skin Health: Insights into Autoimmunity, Metals, and AGE-Mediated Disorders

Diabetes and Skin Health: Insights into Autoimmunity, Metals, and AGE-Mediated Disorders

Diabetes mellitus (DM) significantly impacts systemic and skin health, with advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), metal imbalances, and immune dysfunction emerging as central drivers of skin-related complications. Furthermore, dysregulation of essential metals like zinc, copper, and iron exacerbates oxidative damage and immune dysfunction, fostering a detrimental skin environment. Autoimmune processes, increasingly recognized in both type 1 and type 2 DM, contributes towards dermatological conditions such as bullous pemphigoid and vitiligo. Emerging therapeutic strategies, including AGE inhibitors, chelation therapies, antioxidants, RAGE antagonists, and immune modulators, offers promising avenues for intervention. Advances in diagnostic tools, such as LC-MS/MS and ICP-MS, facilitate precise detection of AGEs and metal imbalances, paving the way for innovative therapies. This review underscores the importance of multidisciplinary approaches to address the rising burden of DM-related skin disorders and improve the quality of life of affected individuals. Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, autoimmunity, metals, advanced glycation end-products, AGEs, skin disorders, autoimmune responses, inflammation, dermatological complications.