New Study Shows Link Between Psoriasis And An Increased Risk Of Diabetes And Hypertension

Main Category: Dermatology
Also Included In: Diabetes;  Hypertension
Article Date: 21 Apr 2009 - 0:00 PDT

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In response to a study in JAMA's Archives of Dermatology indicating a link between psoriasis and an increased risk of diabetes and hypertension, Ellen Mason, Cardiac Nurse at the British Heart Foundation (BHF) said:

'This interesting study suggests an increased risk of developing diabetes and high blood pressure in women who have the skin condition psoriasis. This increase does not appear to be explained by having some or any of the known risk factors for these conditions such as obesity.

'However, further research is needed to fully understand the effect of an inflammatory condition like psoriasis on the inside of the body, and also whether treatment for psoriasis has any effect on the development of diabetes and high blood pressure.

'As psoriasis is already a difficult, long term condition to endure, it is important to reassure people that there were many women with psoriasis that did not develop diabetes or high blood pressure during the course of the study.'

- This statement was issued in response to: "Psoriasis and the Risk of Diabetes and Hypertension: A prospective study of US female nurses". Archives of Dermatology. Arch Dermatol. 2009;145(4):379-382

Source
Archives of Dermatology

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