KEY POINTS

  • Type 2 diabetes can manifest itself through different symptoms
  • One of the symptoms of the condition has something to do with the color of your skin
  • A change in the color of your armpits may denote the presence of the condition.

There are many symptoms associated with type 2 diabetes. Acanthosis nigricans is among such symptoms. Acanthosis nigricans is a condition characterized by the hyperpigmentation of your skin. More specifically, it is a section of dark and velvety discoloration oftentimes observed in the back of the neck, armpits, and the groin area. These skin changes appear gradually with the affected area emitting an odor or can be itchy sometimes.

If the appearance of this condition or its texture and smell is too much for you, it may be time for you to visit your doctor. Medical practitioners sometimes recommend you to get prescription creams to soften or lighten the affected section of your skin. Doctors also recommend using antibacterial soaps and the application of topical antibiotics. In other instances, doctors may prescribe oral acne medications or laser therapy to minimize the thickness of the skin.

type 2 diabetes and armpit color
type 2 diabetes and armpit color nicolagiordano - Pixabay

Fast Facts About Acanthosis Nigricans

This condition tends to manifest when you become insulin resistant. This is a very clear indication of the development of type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is the result of the inability of the pancreas to manufacture sufficient amounts of insulin, or if it does make insulin, they are defective and defunct.

In healthy individuals, insulin is typically used by your body to allow the entrance of glucose to your cells to be utilized as energy. Without the presence of good or enough insulin, glucose, or sugar will remain in your blood. Every time you consume food, there will be an accumulation of glucose in the blood as it cannot enter the cells and be used as fuel.

This is why among the early symptoms of type 2 diabetes is feeling extremely fatigued and more tired than normal. For those with this condition, the cells in their bodies are not receiving glucose or sugar that cells need to be utilized as energy. Naturally, people suffering from this condition would begin feeling extremely tired.

Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms

According to Diabetes UK, other type 2 diabetes symptoms are the sudden urge to make that trip to the toilet, particularly during nighttime. Feeling very thirsty all the time and experiencing genital itching are also warning signs you may be developing the condition.

Type 2 diabetics also report a sudden loss of weight without them even trying to shed off excess weight. Their wounds and cuts would also take a long time to heal, and many of them report having blurred visions.