All articles tagged with #acanthosis nigricans
Maryland-based physician Dr. Kunal Sood highlighted six signs of insulin resistance—increasing belly fat, darkened skin folds (acanthosis nigricans), fatigue after meals, cravings for carbs, skin tags, and increased thirst—explaining these symptoms reflect elevated insulin and signal risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, underscoring the importance of early attention.
Insulin resistance often develops quietly before blood sugar rises and can lead to prediabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and other diseases. Doctors watch for signs like dark patches on the skin (acanthosis nigricans), skin tags, unexplained abdominal weight gain, and fatigue after meals. There’s no single gold-standard test; clues come from insulin and fasting glucose tests or rising A1C trends, and some patients use a continuous glucose monitor to gauge dietary impact. The condition is largely preventable and reversible with regular aerobic exercise, a high-fiber, low-glycemic diet, and weight management, though CGMs can create anxiety and should be discussed with a clinician.
Unexplained skin changes like dark patches, skin tags, and a neck hump can be signs of insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes, which affects over 100 million people. Recognizing these signs early through lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise may help prevent or reverse the condition.