Doctors Say This Overlooked Skin Change Could Mean You’re Eating Too Much Sugar
Approximately 39 million people of all ages in the United States have diabetes. But many people don’t know they have it – and do most people know it? what we mean millions. 2024 National Diabetes Statistics Report It noted that 8.7 million adults aged 18 and over meet the criteria diabetes but he either didn’t know or didn’t report it.
“High insulin usually doesn’t cause symptoms you can feel right away, and that’s what makes it difficult,” he explains. Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MDSleepopolis’ chief medical advisor. “It’s worth paying attention to the signs when they appear because they can be early warnings that your body is struggling. insulin resistancethe first step towards prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes.”
Dr. Spotting clues about diabetes can help you make changes, such as reducing sugar intake, before it snowballs, Dasgupta says. Here, doctors reveal a surprising and overlooked signal that you’re consuming too much sugar and what you should do next to protect your health.
Missed Skin Changes That Are a Sign of High Blood Sugar
Dark patches on the skin, also known as acanthosis nigricans, are a sign that you have high blood sugar, which may be the result of eating too much sugar.
“Acanthosis nigricans may be genetic, but it may also be associated with the following diseases: insulin resistanceobesity, prediabetes or diabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS),” it turns out Dr. Beth Oller, MDa family doctor.
In rare cases, acanthosis nigricans can be a sign of cancer, he explains Dr. Haymar Hann, MDA board-certified internal medicine physician and contributor at Manhattan Medical Offices LabFinder.com. But most of the time this is a sign of high blood sugar, so it’s vital to be careful. He adds that these spots can appear anywhere on the body, but the most common spots are:
“These areas are more prone to friction, which can worsen thickening and darkening of the skin,” he explains. Dr. Samantha Brand, DipABOMobesity medicine doctor Devrim Medicine, Health and Fitness.
Relating to: This Strange Change Is an Unexpected Sign of Diabetes That Doctors Are Begging People to Watch Out For
What are the causes of Acanthosis Nigricans?
High blood sugar can cause dark spots to appear on the neck, armpits, and other parts of the body. Dr. Brand says the most common cause of these spots, known clinically as acanthosis nigricans, is insulin resistance. Eating a ton of sugar can contribute to insulin resistance.
“Eating too much sugar raises blood sugar levels and causes insulin to increase to lower those levels,” he says. “Insulin also activates certain skin cells that have insulin receptors.”
Dr. Brand explains that insulin can specifically trigger:
-
Melanocytes that produce melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color)
-
keratinocytes, which make keratin (a protein that helps form the outer layer of skin)
“When insulin levels are persistently high (in people with insulin resistance or prediabetes) they can overstimulate both melanocytes and keratinocytes, leading to increased production of melanin and keratin,” he continues. “This results in thick, dark, velvety patches of skin called acanthosis nigricans.”
Relating to: The Silent Sign of High Blood Sugar You Should Never Ignore, According to Endocrinologists
What Should You Do If You See Dark Spots on the Skin?
Whether or not you suspect you have prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes, it’s important to talk to your doctor if you think you have acanthosis nigrican.
Dr. “The spots themselves are not harmful, but it is very important to determine the cause of acanthosis nigricans because it is often a sign of an underlying condition such as insulin resistance, hormonal imbalances, or in some cases, cancer,” says Dasgupta.
Diagnosing the condition often doesn’t take much time, he explains, explaining: “Doctors often diagnose acanthosis nigricans just by looking at it; the appearance is very different.”
Dr. Oller says they may order a blood test or, in rare cases, a skin biopsy to be sure.
Related: Simple Post-Dinner Habit That Lowers Your Risk of Diabetes
Will Acanthosis Nigricans Go Away on Its Own?
It probably won’t happen, and doctors don’t recommend waiting for it to get better. “Acanthosis nigricans may improve or resolve if the underlying cause is treated, but this process may be slow, ranging from several months to years,” explains Dr. Brand. Brand. “In some cases, it may persist despite addressing the cause. Consulting a dermatologist can help speed the process with targeted skin treatments.”
Dr. Hann shares what a dermatologist might recommend:
-
Prescription cream to brighten the area
-
Laser treatment or dermabrasion to reduce thickness
-
Vitamin A helps clear the skin
Related: This Is the #1 Best Habit for Blood Sugar Balance, According to an Endocrinologist
Tips to Lower Blood Sugar
Brand shares that the best way to treat acanthosis nigricans is to address the root cause, which is usually high blood sugar. A doctor can work with you on lifestyle changes and potential medications to keep you healthy. They may recommend the following:
-
A low-glycemic diet that limits processed and refined carbohydrates (such as white bread) and prioritizes whole grains, legumes, and high-fiber starches
-
Regular physical activity (think walking, cycling or swimming), including resistance training and aerobic exercise to increase muscle mass
-
Medications such as metformin or GLP-1 receptor agonists
Of course you need To know Your blood sugar needs to be high to get the support you need. That’s why it’s vital to note signs of insulin resistance and call your doctor, he says.
“Being aware of any changes or new symptoms allows you to take action earlier, improve management and prevent serious complications,” he emphasizes.
Next:
Related: What You Should Never Do If You Want to Avoid Diabetes
Sources:
-
National Diabetes Statistics Report. HKM.
-
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MDSleepopolis’ chief medical advisor
-
Dr. Beth Oller, MDfamily doctor
-
Acanthosis nigricans and metabolic syndrome. Dermatology Clinics.
-
Dr. Haymar Hann, MDA board-certified internal medicine physician and contributor at Manhattan Medical Offices LabFinder.com
-
Dr. Samantha Brand, DipABOMobesity medicine doctor Devrim Medicine, Health and Fitness
This story was first reported by: Parade First appeared on October 11, 2025 Health and Wellness section. Add Parade as follows: Preferred Source by clicking here.
