Have you ever noticed people with dark patches on their necks, or perhaps, you have velvety, dark, and thick patches in that area? If yes, don’t worry you are not alone. A study in the United States found that 18.2% of children and 19.5% of adults had acanthosis nigricans.
What is Acanthosis Nigricans?
Acanthosis Nigricans is a recognizable syndrome where the skin in specific areas, such as the neck, axillae, elbows, knees, groin, and knuckles, becomes darker and thicker than the surrounding skin. While the specific cause of acanthosis nigricans is not definitively known, it often indicates individuals with elevated insulin levels and pronounced insulin resistance, placing them at a heightened risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
Let’s explore the connection between insulin resistance and acanthosis nigricans.
What is Insulin?
Before exploring insulin resistance, let’s first understand insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and assists your body in utilising carbohydrates, fats, and proteins for energy. It directs your cells to use these nutrients, supporting your body’s growth and maintaining overall health.
What is Insulin Resistance?
Insulin, as mentioned earlier, plays a crucial role in regulating metabolic processes. However, when your body cells don’t respond well to insulin, a condition known as insulin resistance develops. This means your body needs to produce more insulin to keep blood sugar in check. As a result, you end up with higher insulin levels in your blood, which can lead to various health problems such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and other metabolic diseases .
How is Insulin Resistance Related to Acanthosis Nigricans?
Insulin resistance contributes to the development of acanthosis nigricans through several pathways. When the body becomes resistant to insulin, higher levels of insulin are needed to regulate blood sugar. This can lead to elevated insulin levels in the blood, which may stimulate the growth of skin cells and increase skin pigmentation, resulting in the characteristic dark, velvety patches of acanthosis nigricans.
How to manage Insulin Resistance?
- Weight Management
Losing weight helps improve insulin resistance, especially for overweight people. Try to reach and maintain a healthy weight by aiming for a modest weight loss of 5–10% of your body weight.
- Eating Regimen
Diets low in fat but high in carbohydrates might not directly help insulin sensitivity and can even worsen it. Instead, opt for healthy fats over carbs to better manage insulin resistance and improve overall health. Avoid crash diets and processed foods high in added sugars.
- Regular Exercise
Exercise can significantly improve insulin sensitivity, even if you have trouble with insulin. Aim for regular physical activity such as biking for 45 to 60 minutes at a moderate pace. This effect can last for up to three days after exercise
- Sleep Disturbances
Sleep disturbances, such as disruptions in sleep patterns or insufficient sleep, lead to decreased insulin sensitivity. This means that when sleep is disrupted, the body’s ability to respond effectively to insulin is reduced.
- Monitor Blood Sugar Levels:
Regularly monitor blood glucose levels, especially if you have risk factors for insulin resistance or diabetes. Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for monitoring and managing blood sugar levels.
- Regular Medical Check-ups:
Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your overall health, including blood sugar levels, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other relevant markers.
In conclusion, recognizing the connection between insulin resistance and conditions like acanthosis nigricans underscores the importance of proactive health management. By maintaining a healthy weight, choosing nutritious foods, staying active, prioritizing quality sleep, and monitoring blood sugar levels, individuals can effectively manage insulin resistance and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders. Regular medical check-ups ensure early detection and intervention, safeguarding long-term health and well-being. Remember, small lifestyle changes today can yield significant health benefits tomorrow.
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