Diabetes is a common condition that affects more than four million people in the UK, and 90 per cent of all cases are caused by type 2 diabetes. You could be at risk of high blood sugar if you develop a patch of darkened skin on your armpit.
Type 2 diabetes could be caused by the body not producing enough of the hormone insulin, or the body not reacting to insulin.
Without enough of the hormone, the body struggles to convert sugar in the blood into usable energy.
It’s crucial, if you think you may have diabetes, to speak to a doctor as soon as possible.
One of the key warning signs of diabetes is developing a fairly common skin condition, known as acanthosis nigricans.
The condition causes patches of dark skin on various parts of the body.
They’re more likely to appear in the folds of the skin, including the armpits, neck, or behind your knees.
The skin may feel slightly different from other parts of the body, and the patches may itch.
Acanthosis nigricans isn’t dangerous in itself, but it could highlight an underachieve thyroid or type 2 diabetes.
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“Type 2 diabetes symptoms will often develop gradually and may not always show symptoms at an earlier stage,” said medical website Diabetes.co.uk.
“Acanthosis nigricans is a relatively common skin condition that is one of the symptoms of diabetes.
“The signs of acanthosis nigricans are quite distinctive and result in a darkening of the skin around folds of skin, typically affecting the neck, armpits, groin, and joints of the fingers or toes.
“As well being darker, the skin may take on a leathery or velvety feel and the skin may itch or smell.”
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You should speak to a doctor if you notice darker patches of skin anywhere on your body, it added.
A doctor can usually diagnose the condition simply by examining the affected area.
But, treatment of the skin condition involves finding and solving the underlying cause.
Therefore, controlling your blood sugar levels and reduce the symptoms of acanthosis nigricans.
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Many people may have diabetes without even knowing it, because the signs and symptoms don’t necessarily make you feel unwell.
Common diabetes symptoms include feeling very tired, having an unquenchable thirst, and passing more urine than normal.
You should speak to a doctor if you’re worried about the warning signs or symptoms of diabetes, or if you think you may be at risk.
Diagnosing the condition early is very important, because patients are more at risk of some deadly complications, including heart disease and strokes.
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