A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY OF ASSOCIATION OF ACANTHOSIS NIGRICANS WITH INSULIN RESISTANCE IN OBESITY AND METABOLIC SYNDROME

Abstract

Background: Acanthosis nigricans is a skin lesion characterized by hyperpigmented velvety cutaneous thickening that commonly occurs in flexural areas like axilla, sides of neck, antecubital and popliteal fossa or groin with insulin resistance being the basic underlying pathology. Insulin resistance is reduction in the ability of tissues mainly those in muscles to use insulin. In this condition, the pancreas become hyperactive and produce more insulin and hyperinsulinemia develops to maintain blood sugar levels within normal limits. The body cannot use the additional insulin and the pancreas become exhausted. Insulin production then decreases. At this point a person may be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Many studies have been done in various parts of the world on subjects with acanthosis nigricans to determine correlations with obesity, diabetes, hyperinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia, and other parameters of metabolic syndrome. Thus, screening of patients with acanthosis nigricans for insulin levels becomes relevant and necessary, so as to advice the patients regarding the diet, lifestyle modifications and weight reduction to prevent occurrence of any systemic complications.