Type 2 diabetes symptoms: The warning sign on your neck that may signify too much insulin

From express.co.uk

DIABETES impacts around 4.9 million people in the UK, with 90 percent of those cases being type 2 diabetes. Though there are a number of common symptoms, some changes to your skin could also serve as a warning sign

Approximately six percent of the UK population, or one in every 16 people, are reported to have diabetes according to Diabetes.co.uk. The majority of these cases are type 2 diabetes. Although the condition has a number of common symptoms, there are also some lesser-known symptoms that could be an indication of the disease.

One such development that patients have been known to report are changes to the skin on their neck. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), darker areas of skin that begin to develop on the neck can be an early warning sign of "too much insulin in the blood". These patches of skin are also often "velvety" to the touch and appear in the creases of the neck.

Typically, they can be a warning sign of prediabetes. The medical name for this skin condition is acanthuses nigricans (AN).

Dry skin on the neck, often "velvety" or dark in colour, can be a sign of type 2 diabetes. (Image: Getty Images)

Signs of AN can also begin to present on the groin and armpits.

According to experts from HealthLine, this skin change is most commonly associated with type 2 diabetes and people with darker complexions. 

Should you notice this type of skin change, the AAD advise visiting your GP to get tested.

What are some other symptoms of type 2 diabetes?

There are a number of symptoms that undiagnosed sufferers of type 2 diabetes may notice.

According to the NHS, some of the most common include excessive thirst, frequent urination and tiredness.

Patients may also experience feelings of hunger more frequently than usual blurry vision, and tingling or numbness in the hands or feet.

Some people with type 2 diabetes notice that cuts and wounds begin to heal slowly, and they can be susceptible to itching and test infection particularly around warm, moist areas of skin such as the mouth or armpits.

Type 2 diabetes can also increase your risk of developing serious problems with your eyes, heart and nerves over time.

Some of the symptoms of diabetes (Image: DX / getty)

How is type 2 diabetes treated?

Type 2 diabetes can be managed in a number of ways, both with medicines and lifestyle changes.

Management of type 2 diabetes can include healthy eating and dietary changes, regular exercise and weight loss. 

In some cases, your doctor may prescribe your diabetes medication or insulin therapy. Many people with type 2 diabetes also regularly undergo blood sugar monitoring.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1510619/Diabetes-type-2-skin-neck-symptoms-evg