Diabetes is a common condition that affects around four million people in the UK, with around 90 per cent of all cases being caused by type 2 diabetes. The condition could be caused by the body not producing enough of the hormone insulin, or the body not reacting to insulin. Without enough insulin, the body struggles to convert sugar in the blood into useable energy. You could be at risk of high blood sugar if you notice a dark velvety patch of skin on the back of your neck, it’s been revealed.

Diabetes can affect many parts of your body, including your skin

American Academy of Dermatology

A dark patch of skin, that looks a bit like velvet, could be a sign that there’s too much insulin in your body, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

The medical name for the condition is acanthosis nigricans, and it can also appear on neck, armpit or groin.

If you notice these darker patches of skin in the creases of your neck, you should speak to your doctor, it warned.

“Diabetes can affect many parts of your body, including your skin.

“When diabetes affects the skin, it’s often a sign that your blood sugar [glucose] levels are too high.

“ Yellow, reddish, or brown patches on your skin – this skin condition often begins as small raised solid bumps that look like pimples.

“As it progresses, these bumps turn into patches of swollen and hard skin.

“The patches can be yellow, reddish, or brown. You may also notice the surrounding skin has a shiny porcelain-like appearance.”

This condition is known as necrobiosis lipidica, and it can also make blood vessels more visible, while your skin could be very itchy and painful.

Meanwhile, hard, thickening skin could also be an early warning sign of diabetes, it added.

Tight, waxy skin starts to develop on the back of your hands, and your fingers can become stiff and difficult to move.

The skin starts to look swollen, and can spread to the forearms and upper arms.

Symptoms of diabetes

Diabetes is a common life-long health condition. There are 3.5 million people diagnosed with diabetes in the UK and an estimated 500,000 who are living undiagnosed with the condition

A classic symptom of diabetes can lead to rapid weight loss

Many people may be living with diabetes without even knowing it, because the symptoms don’t necessarily make you feel unwell.

Common diabetes symptoms include feeling very fatigued, having cuts or wounds that take longer to heal than normal, or having an unquenchable thirst.

It’s crucial that diabetes is diagnosed early, as it can lead to some deadly complications, including heart disease and strokes.

Speak to a doctor if you’re worried about the symptoms of diabetes, or if you think you may be at risk.

A quick blood test should be enough to reveal whether you have diabetes, or if you’re at risk.

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