skin disorders in adult juvenile diabetic

43-yo male, diabetic diagnosed 13 years ago, doctors believe was undiagnosed juvenile diabetic until age 29.  Skin discoloration on shins. Dark brown, not patchy.  Almost looks like this coloration was painted on. From mid lower shin to ankles.  Nothing on feet. No hair loss on legs. No swelling.  No pitting. Legs are warm to the touch.  Takes 100 units of insulin a day, R and N with a sliding scale.  Weight 205 lb, height 6 feet.  Blood sugars range from 60 and up.  This patient is incarcerated so does not get the proper ADA diet. He tries to eat as well as he can given where he is. Has thyroid condition and takes Synthroid.  Has slight hypertension on Vasotec.  No diabetic neuropathy. Has very acute diabetic awareness.  Suffered optic stroke 10 years ago with total recovery of vision.  What could this be and how to treat.  He was told by prison medical staff that was not life threatening.  I do not trust this medical staff, have done some very unorthodox and unprofessional medical practices in the past.  Any information provided would be greatly appreciated.

[JDRF-Team-wak]

I am not a physician, but the mom of a type one diabetic.  I have heard of a skin condition related to type one diabetes that is similar to what you described.   I would suggest that you see if this person could be seen, by an endocrinologist or dermatologist. Since the person is incarcerated you might need a lawyer to get the right type of doctor to see the person.

[JDRF-Team-LRS]

WAK is right; there are known skin conditions that can be a complication of diabetes.  Here are a couple of websites with some information -- and I warn our readers -- the second one has some rather graphic images of skin problems.  The pictures might help narrow down what, if any, diabetic complication your friend is suffering from.  However, the only sure way to determine what your friend has is for him to be evaluated by a qualified physician.

http://www.diabetes.org.uk/infocentre/inform/necro.htm
http://www.telemedicine.org/dm/dmupdate.htm

[TonyAlmeida]

A dermatologist should be consulted.  They'll be able to tell you what it is and how it should be treated.  I've found that Endos are good for Diabetes itself, but for side effect skin disorder treatment, a dermatologist is where they'll refer you.

[InsulinPumper]

This is a tough question because I am unfamiliar with treatment while being incarcerated.  I would suggest having that person be checked out by a medical professional outside of the prison facility if at all possible.  If not there might be a medical professional who can be brought in by that facility to further review the situation.