Obesity rates have surged over the past decade, bringing with them an alarming increase in type 2 diabetes among children and teens. What was once considered an "adult-onset" disease is now affecting younger generations at unprecedented rates.
For 14-year-old Pantera, the first red flags were subtle but concerning:
- **Unquenchable thirst**
- **Frequent headaches and mood swings**
- **A mysterious dark ring around her neck**
At first glance, the darkened skin might seem like a minor issue, but pediatric endocrinologist **Dr. Alyne Ricker** of Boston’s Joslin Diabetes Center warns it could signal something far more serious.
### **The Hidden Clue: Acanthosis Nigricans**
The dark, velvety patches Pantera developed—known as **acanthosis nigricans**—are more than just a cosmetic concern.
*"When the body overproduces insulin, a key feature of type 2 diabetes, skin receptors respond by creating excess pigment,"* explains Dr. Ricker.
This discoloration often appears in body folds, including:
✔ **Neck**
✔ **Armpits**
✔ **Inner thighs**
✔ **Fingers and toes**
✔ **Elbows and knees**
If left unchecked, insulin resistance can progress to full-blown **type 2 diabetes**, making early detection critical.
### **Why This Matters**
Insulin resistance doesn’t happen overnight. When the body stops responding properly to insulin, blood sugar levels spiral out of control—leading to long-term health complications.
**Key takeaway:** A dark ring around the neck (or other skin folds) could be one of the earliest warnings of metabolic dysfunction.
**Watch the video below to see an example of acanthosis nigricans and learn how to spot it.**
By recognizing these signs early, parents and doctors can intervene before it’s too late—giving kids like Pantera a fighting chance for a healthier future.
