Acanthosis Nigricans is a skin conditions with palpable brown lines in the creases of the neck, armpit and groin area. Acanthosis does NOT mean your child has diabetes. However, children who develop acanthosis nigricans are at a HIGHER risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. The signs of diabetes are excessive thirst, excessive urination, weight loss, and not feeling well.
In Type 2 diabetes the pancreas makes insulin, but the cells become resistant and resist letting insulin in. Higher and higher levels of insulin are needed in order to let enough insulin into the cell. The pancreas makes insulin but with Type 2 diabetes the body thinks it is not getting insulin because insulin doesn’t get into the cell. This is called INSULIN RESISTANCE.
HOW TO MAKE ACANTHOSIS NIGRICANS GO AWAY
- Decreasing sugar and carbs in diet
- Losing weight, if overweight
- Exercise
In Type 1 diabetes (formerly known as Juvenile Diabetes) the pancreas stops making insulin. The cause is UNKOWN. Type 1 Diabetes is more commonly seen in thin children, whereas Type 2 diabetes is more commonly seen in those who are very over weight.