Diabetes Patients with Kidney Disease Face Higher Psoriasis Risk, Study Finds

“Among 840,000 participants, those with an eGFR below 30 faced a 17% higher risk, while severe proteinuria heightened the likelihood by up to 50%. These findings highlight the potential of eGFR and proteinuria as predictive markers, emphasizing the importance of early screening and proactive management,” the researchers reported in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is known to be associated with various complications, including kidney disease and inflammatory skin disorders such as psoriasis. Multiple studies have established a positive correlation between psoriasis and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Recognizing the psoriasis risk in diabetic patients is crucial, as it enables early intervention and provides valuable insights into the shared underlying mechanisms of both conditions.

Against the above background, Seung Ah Yoo, Department of Dermatology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea, and colleagues examined psoriasis risk in diabetic patients based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and proteinuria levels using population-based data from Korea.

For this purpose, the researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study using nationwide data through exploratory data analysis. A total of 927,234 diabetic patients were included, excluding those under 20 years of age, individuals with pre-existing psoriasis or psoriasis diagnosed within one year, and cases with missing data. The primary outcome was the development of psoriasis, monitored over a follow-up period of 7.83 ± 1.68 years.

The study led to the following findings:

• Among the 840,395 participants, 28,010 (3.33%) developed psoriasis.
• Diabetic patients with severely reduced kidney function (eGFR < 30) had a 17.3% higher risk of psoriasis compared to those with normal kidney function (eGFR 60–90).
• The presence of proteinuria further increased the risk of psoriasis, with higher proteinuria levels linked to greater risk.
• Patients with moderate proteinuria (2+) had a 16.4% higher risk, while those with severe proteinuria (3+ and 4+) had a 43.3% and 50.8% higher risk, respectively, compared to those without proteinuria.

The researchers highlight that declining eGFR and worsening proteinuria significantly increase the risk of psoriasis in diabetic patients, emphasizing the need for early detection and intervention. Since psoriasis management becomes more challenging in individuals with impaired kidney function due to limitations in systemic immunosuppressive treatments, proactive monitoring of renal health is crucial. Additionally, CKD elevates mortality risk in psoriasis patients, further underscoring the importance of preventive strategies.

“While the study provides valuable insights, it does not assess psoriasis severity or consider the impact of oral hypoglycemic agents. Nonetheless, the findings support the role of eGFR and proteinuria as key predictive markers for targeted intervention,” the researchers wrote.

Reference:

Yoo SA, Sayo MIA, Lee JH. Association between chronic renal disease and psoriasis risk in diabetes patients: A Korean population-based study. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2025;91:152-7. doi: 10.25259/IJDVL_669_2023