Diabetes is a common condition that affects more than four million people in the UK, and 90 per cent of all cases are caused by type 2 diabetes. You could be at risk of high blood sugar if you find skin tags anywhere on your body, it’s been revealed.
Type 2 diabetes could be caused by the body not producing enough of the hormone insulin, or the body not reacting to insulin.
Without enough of the hormone, the body struggles to convert sugar in the blood into usable energy.
It’s crucial that if you think you may have diabetes, you speak to a doctor as soon as possible.
One of the warning signs of diabetes is developing skin tags, it’s been claimed.
Skin tags are small growths that hang from the skin, and are usually found on the neck, armpits or around the groin.
They can vary in colour, although they’re usually skin-coloured, and they can grow to around five centimetres wide.
They’re usually harmless, and they’re not contagious at all; unlike warts, for example.
But, if you develop skin tags, it could be a warning sign that your body is making too much insulin, warned the American Academy of Dermatology.
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“Diabetes can affect many parts of your body, including your skin,” it said.
“When diabetes affects the skin, it’s often a sign that your blood sugar [glucose] levels are too high.
“Many people have skin tags—skin growths that hang from a stalk. While harmless, having numerous skin tags may be a sign that you have too much insulin in your blood or type 2 diabetes.
“Diabetes can cause many other skin problems. Most skin problems are harmless, but even a minor one can become serious in people who have diabetes. A board-certified dermatologist can recognise skin problems due to diabetes and help you manage them.”
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Skin tags are usually painless, but you may want to consider having them removed if they’re affecting your self-confidence.
They could even simply fall off by themselves, if the tissue has twisted, and its blood supply has been cut off.
If you choose to have them removed, they can be easily burnt or frozen.
But, you should never try to remove large skin tags by yourself, warned the NHS. They’re likely to bleed heavily.
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Many people may have diabetes without even knowing it, because the signs and symptoms don’t necessarily make you feel unwell.
Common diabetes symptoms include feeling very tired, having an unquenchable thirst, and passing more urine than normal.
You should speak to a doctor if you’re worried about the warning signs or symptoms of diabetes, or if you think you may be at risk.
Diagnosing the condition early is very important, because patients are more at risk of some deadly complications, including heart disease and strokes.
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