Diabetes type 2 warning – does your skin look like this? The sign you shouldn’t ignore

Diabetes is a common condition that affects more than four million people in the UK, and 90 percent of all cases are caused by type 2 diabetes. You could be at risk of high blood sugar if you develop a dark-coloured patch of skin on your body, it’s been claimed.

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 that if you think you may have diabetes, you speak to a doctor as soon as possible.

You may be at risk of the condition if part of your skin suddenly changes colour, it’s been revealed.

Some patients find that they develop a dark, velvet-like patch of skin.

These patches, where are known as acanthosis nigricans, tend to appear on the neck, or under the arms.

The skin may also feel particularly itchy, and it may start to smell, according to medical website Diabetes.co.uk.

These patches aren’t necessarily dangerous themselves, but they highlight the need to check your blood sugar levels.

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“Acanthosis nigricans is a relatively common skin condition that is one of the symptoms of diabetes,” it said.

“Acanthosis nigricans is characterised by darkening of the skin at particular areas such as the neck and armpits.

“It is not a dangerous condition in itself but is typically a sign of the presence of a problematic condition such as type 2 diabetes and sometimes cancer.

“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.”

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But, just because you develop these skin patches, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have diabetes.

They could also be caused by obesity, an underactive thyroid, or even by taking some corticosteroids or oral contraceptives.

Speak to a doctor if you develop acanthosis nigricans, the medical website urged.

Your GP can diagnose the condition with a quick examination, and they may suggest that you check your risk of diabetes.

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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 having cuts or wounds that take longer to heal, 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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