How Diabetes Medications Including GLP-1 Drugs Affect Skin Conditions | Research

The takeaway

GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP agonists have hormonal and immune effects that may benefit skin diseases like psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa.

Dual effects
GLP-1 drugs may improve inflammatory skin diseases while also causing dermatologic side effects

What the researchers found

GLP-1 and dual GLP-1/GIP agonists have immune-modulating effects that may benefit inflammatory skin diseases while also causing potential dermatologic side effects.

Why it matters

With millions on GLP-1 drugs, dermatologists and endocrinologists need to understand skin-related effects — both beneficial and adverse.

The numbers in context

No specific trial data reported; qualitative review of case reports and small studies.

How the study worked

Narrative review of dermatologic adverse effects and therapeutic benefits of T2DM medications.

Who was studied

Patients with type 2 diabetes using GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP agonists

What this study cannot tell us

Narrative review — evidence quality varies. Most dermatologic data comes from case reports and small studies rather than large trials.

How to read the evidence

Narrative review — useful clinical overview but evidence for dermatologic effects is still early-stage.

When this study was published

Published in 2025, capturing emerging observations about skin effects of newer diabetes medications.

The bigger picture

The anti-inflammatory properties of GLP-1 drugs may open unexpected dermatologic applications, adding to their growing list of potential benefits.

Questions still open

Should GLP-1 drugs be preferentially prescribed for diabetic patients with psoriasis?
What dermatologic monitoring should accompany GLP-1 therapy?

Common questions

Can GLP-1 drugs help with skin conditions?

Early evidence suggests their anti-inflammatory effects may benefit conditions like psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa, though more research is needed.

Do GLP-1 drugs cause skin problems?

Some dermatologic side effects have been reported, but the drugs may also benefit certain inflammatory skin conditions — effects go both ways.

Read the original research

Dermatologic Implications of Glycemic Control Medications for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Cutis, 115(1), 7-13

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Ponce, Mayra Betancourt; Shields, Bridget E. (2025). Dermatologic Implications of Glycemic Control Medications for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.. Cutis, 115(1), 7-13. https://doi.org/10.12788/cutis.1148