Type 2 diabetes often progresses in silence. But certain unsuspected skin changes can point out insulin resistance long before the appearance of conventional symptoms. In an article for the Daily MailJade Rivers, well-being coach, evokes these signs as “thehe first visible markers of a body that heads for diabetes“. Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director, confirms that”persistent skin abnormalities can reflect a deeper metabolic imbalance“. Here are.
Dark and thickened spots on the skin
If you notice brownish, thick and slightly velvety areas on your neck, your armpits, your groin folds or even on your elbows, it could be acanthosis nigricans.
This affection, according to Dr. Kierzek, is “frequently linked to insulin resistance, especially in overweight or prediased people“. In the event of resistance, the pancreas overproduces insulin, which causes hormone accumulation in certain tissues, including the skin. Result: dark spots appear in skin folds, without link with hygiene or sun exposure.
And contrary to what is often believed, rubbing or whitening them is useless. The solution? “”Modifying your diet, losing weight and regaining regular physical activity often makes it possible to regress lesions “ recommends Jade Rivers.
The acrochordons
Known under the medical name of acrochordons, these small pieces of soft skin, often located on the neck, under the armpits or in the groin, are generally mild. But their sudden and number appearance can, according to Jade Rivers, “report an excess of insulin in the body“.
Insulin plays a role in regulating cell growth. A hormonal imbalance, caused by insulin resistance or developing diabetes, can abnormally stimulate skin cells, causing the proliferation of these growths.
Dr. Kierzek recalls that “Any unusual appearance of chronic or multiple skin lesions must be the subject of a consultation“. All the more so if other signs are associated: fatigue, healing disorders or unexplained weight gain.
A greasy bump at the base of the neck
The famous “bison de bison”, located at the base of the neck, is an adipose heap which may appear in the event of metabolic disturbance. This physical sign is often the reflection of an accumulation of fats caused by excess insulin. As the coach explains, “The body, unable to respond normally to insulin, states the fats abnormal in certain areas, especially around the neck“.
This change of silhouette should not be minimized, especially since he can coexist with other skin markers of diabetes.
Diabetic dermopathy
Brownish, slightly dizzying spots on the shins? It’s not just a sign of aging. “”This type of skin lesion, often confused with old age spots, can be diabetic dermopathy“Exposes Dr. Gérald Kierzek. This is frequent involvement in diabetic people, linked to”Chronic alteration of small blood vessels caused by hyperglycemia“.
These marks are painless, flat, but their repetition on the legs must be the subject of glycemic screening. They reflect, on the surface, an in -depth vascular problem.
Repeated skin infections
If you tend to develop yeast infections in skin folds, as in the breasts, between the toes or in the armpits, or you chain boils, orgelets or abscesses, this can reveal a badly balanced diabetes.
“”Excess blood sugar weakens immune defenses and promotes the proliferation of fungi or bacteria on the skin “ Dr. Kierzek also indicates. He specifies that these infections, often banal at the start, “become chronic in people in hyperglycemia, and can be an early symptom of diabetes“. In particular when they come back without apparent cause or despite good hygiene.
Dry, irritated or scratching skin
A dry skin that itchy, without allergy or dermatological pathology identified, can be an underlying sign of a metabolic disorder. “”In case of chronic hyperglycemia, the body is slowly dehydrated, which alters the skin barrier “explains Dr. Gérald Kierzek.
He adds that an infringement of the peripheral nerves, called neuropathy, can also alter the skin signals, “making certain areas more sensitive or causing unexplained itching“This symptom, often neglected, can however be an indicator of a diabetes installed for several months.
Eruptive xanthomas
Small yellow, hard balls, surrounded by a red halo, may appear suddenly on the buttocks, elbows or back. For Dr. Kierzek, there is no doubt: “These are eruptive xanthomas, a skin demonstration very evocative of an unbalanced diabetes“.
These lesions appear when the level of triglycerides explodes in the blood, a lipid disorder closely linked to an excess of uncontrolled glucose. “”It is an alarm signal to be taken seriously, because it translates a global metabolic disruption“Insists the doctor. In this case, a complete blood report is essential.
Finally, Dr. Kierzek concludes: “Skin that changes appearance without reason can hide diabetes. It is imperative to consult, especially in the event of intense thirst, fatigue or slow healing. Control your blood sugar because early screening can avoid serious complications with nerves, kidneys or eyes. “