Early sign of diabetes that manifests on the skin identified

Darkening and thickening of the skin in the neck and underarm areas may be one of the earliest and often underestimated signs of diabetes.

Spanish endocrinologist Larisa Figueiredo told the publication Metropoles about this.

According to the doctor, many people perceive these skin areas as "dirty" or poorly cleansed, however, the pigmentation does not disappear either after washing or after peeling.

This symptom - acanthosis - occurs against the background of excess glucose and impaired tissue sensitivity to insulin.

Changes in appearance can affect not only the neck and armpits but also the groin, elbow bends, and the area under the chest.

Figueiredo emphasized that such skin changes appear in the early stages and may precede more obvious manifestations of the disease. Among other signs, the doctor mentioned constant thirst (especially at night), frequent urination, and persistent fatigue that persists even after a full sleep. All these signals, she noted, are associated with excess sugar in the blood and dysfunction of many body systems.

The specialist urged not to ignore sudden pigmentation of the neck and armpits and to see a doctor at the first changes - early diagnosis can significantly slow down the development of diabetes and prevent complications.