Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a skin condition that causes acne-like sores to form where skin meets skin. Individuals with HS are more likely to develop diabetes than those without the condition.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a skin condition that causes painful, cystic bumps to form where skin meets skin, such as under the breasts, in the armpits, and in the groin area. People with HS are three times more likely to develop diabetes.

Read on to learn more about this connection, risk factors, warning signs, and tips for managing both conditions.

Researchers are still unclear as to why these conditions occur together, but a 2022 meta-analysis of 23 studies covering 29.5 million people found that HS was not only associated with diabetes but also with smoking, having obesity, and being assigned female at birth. However, some people who have HS do not smoke, have obesity, or have diabetes.

The overlap is likely related to multiple shared risk factors, such as chronic inflammation, altered metabolism, genetics, and others.

Possible shared risk factors for both conditions include:

Obesity: Both conditions are associated with a higher BMI or body weight. Higher levels of adipose (fat) tissue are also associated with an increase in chronic inflammation in the body.

Smoking: Smoking tobacco is associated with an increased risk of developing both HS and diabetes.

Chronic, systemic inflammation: Both conditions are related to chronic inflammation. People with HS often have other signs of inflammation and other conditions that involve inflammation, like certain types of arthritis. People with diabetes are also more likely to have other conditions related to chronic, systemic inflammation.

Researchers have found inflammatory cytokines, proteins that help cells grow, like TNF-α, IL-1β, that promote insulin resistance by disrupting healthy insulin production in people with diabetes. Researchers have also found elevated levels of TNF-α, IL-1β in the skin of people who have HS.

Insulin resistance: Individuals with diabetes have insulin resistance. That is a key factor in type 2 diabetes. Research suggests that people with HS who do not have diabetes may also develop insulin resistance. They become less sensitive to insulin as their condition worsens. Research also shows that the worse an individual’s HS is, the more likely they are to develop diabetes.

Genetics: A 2025 study found genetic variations in individuals with HS were similar to those of individuals with diabetes and cardiovascular disease, suggesting a genetic component may be linked to all three conditions. This genetic link may predispose people to both HS and diabetes.

It’s likely that these risk factors create a cycle for individuals with HS in which their chronic inflammation creates insulin resistance and increases their risk of developing diabetes. Similarly, in individuals with diabetes, changes in metabolism and the immune system put them at greater risk of developing HS.

Because the connection between HS and diabetes has been identified, doctors and healthcare professionals have begun testing individuals with HS for diabetes. The earlier diabetes is diagnosed and treated, the better for individuals with HS and diabetes.

Because the connection is now known, doctors can help individuals with HS with a treatment and prevention plan that includes things that help prevent diabetes, like lifestyle modifications, medications, and glucose monitoring.

Increasing evidence suggests a link between HS and diabetes. The two conditions share similar risk factors. Some research suggests that the worse symptoms an individual with HS has, the more likely they are to develop diabetes.

As the medical community becomes more aware of the connection between these two conditions, there is a greater opportunity for early diabetes screening, treatment, and perhaps prevention in individuals with HS.

If you have HS, speak with your doctor about any concerns you have regarding diabetes and your risk of developing it.