The sign on your skin that could mean you’re at risk of type 2 diabetes
CASES of Type 2 diabetes are rising and it’s estimated around 13.6million Brits are at risk.
While key symptoms of the disease usually include extreme thirst and an increased need to urinate, there could also be a sign on your skin.
Turkish researchers found that people with skin tags are at increased of type 2 diabetes.
People who find at least one small skin growth should also be tested for high blood pressure, the experts said.
Diabetes is a serious condition which occurs when the level of glucose in your body is too high.
There are two types, the main difference being type 1 in inherited and type 2 is linked to lifestyle choices in most cases.
But both are as serious as each other and can lead to several health complications including kidney failure, nerve damage and gum disease.
According to Diabetes UK, around five million Brits have type 2, which raises the risk of stroke and heart attacks.
It is caused by the body producing too little of a chemical called insulin, which breaks down sugar.
Being overweight or inactive can be a risk factor.
The team tested the blood of 60 people – half of whom had at least one skin tag on their body – to check their likelihood of developing a metabolic disorders.
The study, published in BMC Dermatology found the 30 who had a skin tag were more at risk to several metabolic disorders, including obesity, high blood pressure – but most likely, type two diabetes.
The other signs on your skin which could be a sign of diabetes
Chartered chemist, Bruce Green said there are six key warning signs you need to be aware of:
- Yellow or brown patches or bumps
- A darker area of skin that feels velvety particularly around the neck and armpit
- Hard-thickened patches of skin – particularly on fingers and toes
- The sudden appearance of blisters or groups of blisters
- Skin spots – small and barely noticeable depressions on the skin
- Extremely dry and itchy skin patches in particular on the arms, legs, elbows and feet.
However, these aren’t the only signs you need to be aware of.
The NHS recommends that you see a doctor if you’re feeling very thirsty and you’re peeing more frequently than usual – especially at night.
Other key signs of diabetes include feeling very tired, weight loss and a loss of muscle bulk and blurred vision.
When it comes to your skin, the NHS says that itching around the penis or vagina or experiencing cuts or wounds that heal slowly are also common signs – all of which you should seek medical attention for.
If you are diabetic – then it’s key that you look after your skin.