What is Acanthosis Nigricans (AN)?

Acanthosis Nigricans (AN) is a skin condition marked by dark, velvety, thickened patches on skin folds. Commonly appears on the neck, underarms, groin, under the breasts, elbows, or behind the knees.

Strong Link to Insulin Resistance:

• Although AN can occur for various reasons, it is strongly associated with insulin resistance, making it an early visible warning sign of prediabetes or diabetes.
• For many, it is one of the first physical clues that the body is struggling to regulate blood sugar.

Causes of AN:

• Obesity
• Insulin resistance
• Metabolic syndrome
• Diabetes mellitus
• Rarely associated with melanoma, stomach cancer, or liver malignancies

Relevance in Children & Young Adults:

• Presence of AN in young individuals is considered an important clinical marker of rising diabetes risk.

Diagnosis:

• Usually detected during a clinical examination.
• Due to its strong association with metabolic disorders, doctors may advise:
  • Blood sugar testing
  • Insulin level tests
  • Lipid profile
  • Other metabolic assessments to confirm underlying causes.

Source: TH