Small Growths
1. Dark, velvety skin around the neck and underarms
One of the most recognizable skin changes associated with insulin resistance is a condition called acanthosis nigricans. It commonly appears as darker, thicker areas of skin around the back of the neck, underarms, groin, or other body folds.
The affected skin may feel velvety or slightly rough compared with the surrounding areas. The change usually develops gradually, and people sometimes mistake it for dirt or ordinary skin discoloration that can be removed by scrubbing.
However, acanthosis nigricans is not simply a problem of cleanliness. It can occur when the skin responds to hormonal and metabolic changes, particularly elevated insulin levels associated with insulin resistance.
Insulin helps the body move glucose from the bloodstream into cells. When the body becomes less responsive to insulin, the pancreas may produce more of it to compensate. In some people, this metabolic environment is
