Type 2 Diabetes
Acanthosis nigricans may appear as an effect of high insulin levels in the blood. However, over time, this condition may develop into type 2 diabetes. That’s why in some states, particularly in Texas, children are screened for acanthosis nigricans to identify those at higher risk of contracting type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is a debilitating disease, which occurs when the glucose (or sugar) levels in the blood become too high. The pancreas’ overproduction of insulin causes high glucose levels, a condition called hyperinsulinemia. Once diagnosed, patients with type 2 diabetes will have to live with it for the rest of their lives. Its effects may be irreversible and can only be slowed down with medications, significant lifestyle changes, and regular doctor appointments.
Although the appearance of dark skin patches in various body parts is not conclusive to be about type 2 diabetes, experts find it important that people are carefully screened for it, just to be safe. Like many life-changing diseases, early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes are very important to make the prognosis promising.
