Dark areas of skin under the armpits can be an early indicator of type 2 diabetes.
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Look under the armpits, are there areas of blackened skin? If so, it could be an early indicator of type 2 diabetes. This is due to a condition called acanthosis nigricans.
A charity in the UK, Diabetes UK, confirms that acanthosis nigricans is a relatively common skin condition that is one of the symptoms of diabetes. Characteristic dark areas appear around the folds of skin in the armpits, neck, groin, and joints of the fingers or toes.
“In addition to getting darker, the skin may feel rough or velvety and the skin may itch or smell,” the charity said. Express, Thursday (25/11).
Acanthosis nigricans has also been linked to other health conditions, such as obesity and underactive thyroid function. It could also be due to using corticosteroids or oral contraceptives. It could also be due to tumors affecting internal organs.
There is diabetes symptoms other things to look out for, which can include increased thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, unintentional weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, slow healing wounds, frequent infections and numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. The Mayo Clinic says type 2 diabetes is primarily the result of two interrelated problems. First, cells in muscle, fat, and liver become insulin resistant, meaning they don’t take up the sugar (that is) glucose.
Second, the pancreas is unable to produce insulin enough to regulate blood sugar levels. Damage to the body from the use of glucose can cause circulatory, nervous, and immune system disorders. To reduce the health risks associated with type 2 diabetes, early diagnosis is essential.
If you suspect you may be suffering from diabetes symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. After speaking with your doctor, you can discuss your concerns and have a blood test for blood sugar levels arranged.
Insulin is a hormone secreted from the pancreas. Its role is to regulate how the body processes sugar in various ways. For example, sugar in the bloodstream triggers the pancreas to secrete insulin which then circulates in the bloodstream.
Insulin in the bloodstream is intended to allow sugar to enter the cells thus reducing the amount of sugar in the blood.
In response to a drop in blood sugar levels, the pancreas releases less insulin. For people with diabetes, however, blood sugar continues to rise because it can’t get into the cells.
Also read: Serious Diabetes Warning Hidden in the Big Toe
In response, the pancreas will continue to secrete insulin, even though the hormone is not working. The pancreas can then tire, to the point that it no longer releases insulin at all, which is why some people with diabetes require insulin injections.
There are certain risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes, such as being overweight and having fat stored in the belly instead of in the hips and thighs. Leading a sedentary lifestyle can also lead to an increased risk of diabetes, as can a family history of the condition.
The risk of diabetes also increases with age, especially over the age of 45, as well as those with polycystic ovary syndrome. Other risk factors include pre-diabetes and high triglyceride levels.
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