Can diabetes cause itchy skin? Yes. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) says localized itching is often caused by diabetes. The itch can come from dry skin, a yeast infection, or poor circulation. When poor circulation is the cause, the lower legs may itch the most. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) also lists diabetes among the diseases that can cause long-lasting itch. Many causes can be eased at home, but itching that is severe, does not go away, or has no clear cause needs a doctor.
Key takeaways
- ADA says localized itching is often caused by diabetes, through dry skin, yeast infections, or poor circulation.
- When poor circulation is the cause, ADA says the lower legs may be the itchiest areas.
- ADA says people with high blood glucose levels tend to have dry skin, and scratching dry skin can let infection in.
- AAD says itch can also be a sign of advanced kidney disease, which is a diabetes complication.
- MedlinePlus says to contact your provider for itching that is severe, does not go away, or cannot be easily explained.
Why Does Diabetes Make Your Skin Itch?
There is rarely just one reason. These are the causes named by ADA, AAD, and MedlinePlus, from the National Library of Medicine.
Dry skin
ADA says people with high glucose levels tend to have dry skin. MedlinePlus says dry skin is a common cause of itching, and AAD says extremely dry skin can be intensely itchy. ADA warns that scratching dry or itchy skin can open it up and allow infection to set in.
AAD adds that by age 65, skin is thinner and holds less moisture, so older adults with diabetes may notice more dry, itchy skin.
Yeast and fungal infections
ADA says the cause of many fungal infections in people with diabetes is Candida albicans, a yeast-like fungus. It can cause itchy rashes of moist, red areas surrounded by tiny blisters and scales. These rashes often form in warm, moist skin folds:
- Under the breasts
- In the armpits and groin
- Between fingers and toes
- Around the nails
- In the corners of the mouth
ADA lists jock itch, athlete's foot, ringworm (a ring-shaped itchy patch), and vaginal yeast infections that cause itching as common fungal infections. If you think you have one, ADA says to call your doctor. AAD says frequent yeast infections can be a sign of undiagnosed diabetes. See our guide to recurrent UTIs and yeast infections as a sign of diabetes.
Poor circulation
ADA says poor circulation can cause itching, and that the lower parts of the legs may be the itchiest areas when it does. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists poor blood flow as a diabetes complication that, along with nerve damage, raises the risk of foot ulcers. For itching on the feet, see our guide on whether diabetes causes the top of your feet to itch.
Diabetes-related skin conditions
Some skin conditions linked to diabetes can itch:
- Eruptive xanthomatosis. AAD says these small bumps can appear suddenly when uncontrolled diabetes causes very high triglycerides (blood fats). They are usually tender and itchy.
- Necrobiosis lipoidica. ADA says these patches on the lower legs are sometimes itchy and painful.
- Acanthosis nigricans. AAD says these dark, velvety patches can itch. Read more about acanthosis nigricans.
Not every diabetes skin change itches. ADA says shin spots (diabetic dermopathy) do not hurt, open up, or itch. Our hub guide covers how diabetes affects your skin in full.
Kidney disease
AAD says itch can be a sign of advanced kidney disease. It often develops in people who are close to needing dialysis or who are on dialysis. In these people, AAD says the itch can be widespread and especially intense on the back, arms, and legs. Kidney disease is a known diabetes complication. See early signs of diabetic kidney disease.
Medicine reactions
ADA says allergic skin reactions can happen in response to medicines, including insulin or diabetes pills. Watch for rashes, dents, or bumps where you inject insulin. MedlinePlus also lists reactions to medicines as a cause of itching all over the body. Do not stop a medicine on your own. Call your prescriber if you think a medicine is causing a rash or itch.
Itching Is Not Always From Diabetes
MedlinePlus lists many causes of itching that have nothing to do with diabetes, including:
- Eczema and psoriasis
- Contact with soaps, chemicals, or wool
- Hives and allergic reactions
- Insect bites and lice
- Sunburn
- Liver disease, iron deficiency anemia, and pregnancy
AAD adds an overactive thyroid gland, blood diseases, and skin cancer. AAD says you can have intensely itchy skin and see nothing on your skin, and that itch can be the only symptom of some diseases inside the body. That is why itch with no clear cause is worth checking.
Common Causes of Itchy Skin With Diabetes
| Cause | Where it often itches | Clues | What sources advise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry skin | Anywhere | Rough, flaky skin; worse in dry weather | Moisturize after bathing (ADA) |
| Yeast or fungal infection | Skin folds, groin, between toes | Moist, red rash with tiny blisters and scales | Call your doctor (ADA) |
| Poor circulation | Lower legs | Color or temperature changes in the feet (CDC) | Tell your care team |
| Eruptive xanthomatosis | Buttocks, thighs, elbows, knees | Sudden small yellowish bumps | Tell your doctor (AAD) |
| Advanced kidney disease | Back, arms, legs | Widespread, intense itch | See your care team (AAD) |
| Medicine reaction | Injection sites or all over | Rash, dents, or bumps after a medicine | Call your prescriber (ADA) |
How to Relieve Itchy Skin at Home
ADA says you may be able to treat itching yourself. ADA suggests:
- Bathe less often, especially when the air is dry.
- Use a mild soap with moisturizer.
- Apply skin cream after bathing.
MedlinePlus adds these home steps:
- Try not to scratch or rub itchy areas. Keep your fingernails short.
- Wear cool, light, loose clothing. Avoid rough fabrics like wool over itchy skin.
- Take lukewarm baths with little soap, and rinse well. An oatmeal or cornstarch bath can soothe the skin.
- Use moisturizer, especially in the dry winter months.
- Put a cold compress on an itchy spot.
- Avoid long stretches of heat and humidity.
ADA also says to avoid very hot baths and showers and to keep your home more humid in cold, dry months. Do not put lotion between your toes; ADA says the extra moisture there can help fungus grow.
MedlinePlus mentions over-the-counter antihistamine pills and hydrocortisone cream. Antihistamines can cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist or care team before using them, especially if you take other medicines. For a full routine, see our diabetic skin care routine.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Emergency: Call 911 if itching comes with hives plus trouble breathing or swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat.
Same day: Contact your care team the same day if you have a red, hot, swollen, or painful area, a sore that is open or draining, or a rash with fever. ADA says to see your doctor if you think you have a bacterial infection.
Prompt appointment: MedlinePlus says to contact your provider if itching is severe, does not go away, or cannot be easily explained. MedlinePlus also says to have itching checked as soon as possible if it keeps coming back without a clear cause or covers your whole body. Book a visit for frequent yeast infections, sudden yellowish bumps, or itching with yellow skin or eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does diabetic itching feel like?
It varies. ADA says diabetes often causes localized itching, in one area rather than all over. Itching from dry skin may come with rough, flaky skin. Itching from a yeast infection often comes with a moist, red rash in a skin fold. When poor circulation is the cause, ADA says the lower legs may itch the most.
Why do my legs itch with diabetes?
ADA says poor circulation can cause itching, and the lower legs may be the itchiest areas when it does. Dry skin is another common cause. Itchy, tender bumps on the thighs or buttocks may be eruptive xanthomatosis. Tell your care team about leg itching that does not go away.
Can high blood sugar cause itching?
ADA says people with high blood glucose levels tend to have dry skin and less ability to fend off harmful bacteria. Dry skin can itch, and infections like yeast can cause itchy rashes. ADA lists keeping diabetes well managed as the first step in preventing skin problems.
Is itching a sign of diabetes before diagnosis?
It can be one clue, but it is not a test. AAD lists diabetes among diseases that can cause long-lasting itch, and says frequent yeast infections can be a sign of undiagnosed diabetes. Many other conditions cause itching too. Ask your doctor whether you should be tested.
What is the best lotion for diabetic itchy skin?
No single lotion is best for everyone. ADA suggests a mild soap with moisturizer and a skin cream after bathing, but not between the toes. MedlinePlus says moisturizer helps, especially in dry winter months. A dermatologist can suggest products if itching continues.
When is itchy skin with diabetes serious?
MedlinePlus says to contact your provider if itching is severe, does not go away, or cannot be easily explained. AAD says long-lasting itch can be a sign of kidney or liver disease. Get care the same day for a red, hot, swollen, or painful area, or any open sore.
References
- American Diabetes Association. “Diabetes and Skin Complications.” Accessed October 2026.
- American Academy of Dermatology. “10 reasons your skin itches uncontrollably and how to get relief.” Accessed October 2026.
- American Academy of Dermatology. “Diabetes: 10 warning signs that can appear on your skin.” Accessed October 2026.
- American Academy of Dermatology. “Acanthosis nigricans: Signs and symptoms.” Accessed October 2026.
- MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. “Itching.” Review date August 5, 2024. Accessed October 2026.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Your Feet and Diabetes.” Accessed October 2026.
Next Steps
For one week, jot down where you itch, when it is worse, and whether you see a rash, dry skin, or bumps. Bring those notes to your next visit so your care team can look for the cause.
For adults with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes who want lifestyle education alongside clinical care, the Done With Diabetes™ program, a holistic approach to type 2 diabetes, organizes learning about meals, movement, sleep, and stress. It does not diagnose or treat skin conditions or diabetes, interpret glucose test results, change medicines, or replace your care team.