Dark patches on armpit: Diabetes rates are soaring due to a surge in one of the key drivers of the condition – obesity. Diabetics rarely present poignant symptoms, which is why the condition is often be brushed off as benign. When left untreated, however, diabetes heightens the risk of cardiovascular complications. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) says one sign on the neck and armpits, could be a warning sign of dangerously high blood sugar levels.
There are two types of pathology in diabetes, the first of which is caused by the body’s immune system mistakenly attacking cells in the pancreas that make insulin.
Type 2 diabetes, which typically develops around middle age, is more prevalent in overweight individuals whose bodies stop responding to insulin.
This abnormal insulin regulation leads to a significant increase in blood sugar levels, which heightens the risk of heart attacks, blindness and kidney problems.
The two types can occur at different life stages and for a number of different reasons.
According to Everyday Health, early signs that sugar levels are ‘out of control’ may appear around the neck and armpits.
ADA warns that when blood sugar levels are abnormally high, thick areas of soft skin may form on the back of the neck or hands, armpits, face or other areas.
These skin changes, known as acanthosis nigricans, can be a sign of insulin resistance, warns the ADA.
The NHS describes the skin condition as “dark patches of skin that usually appear in the armpits, neck or groin.”
“It could be a sign of an underlying condition so it needs to be checked by a GP.
“The main symptom is patches of skin that are darker and thicker than usual,” adds the health body.
Other health institutions have claimed the texture of the skin may appear ‘velvety’ and could be located on the knees in some instances.
Studies have shown that acanthosis nigricans is most common in obese people and in individuals whose bodies produce too much insulin.
Furthermore, the ADA states that small pieces of extra skin, called skin tags, may form in the creases of the skin.
Type 2 diabetes has long been considered a progressive, lifelong condition with a significant risk of cardiovascular complications.
One side effect, neuropathy, usually starts in the extremities and works its way up, wreaking havoc on the nerves along the way.
This can cause ulcers to form, bones to weaker, and eventually can lead to loss of feeling.
Some of the painful side effects of diabetes are triggered by the nerve damage caused by high levels of glucose.
Diagnoses of type 2 diabetes have more than doubled in the past 15 years, and are expected to grow to pandemic proportions in coming years.
Early detection of the condition can often prevent the disease’s progression.
While the general consensus is that type 2 diabetes is an irreversible condition, this view had been challenged in recent years.
Some researchers believe that reversing the modifiable key driver of the condition – obesity – could have promising effects for diabetics.
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Post source Daily Express
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