Diabetes type 2 warning – the one sign of high blood sugar hanging from your skin revealed

Diabetes type 2 is a common condition that affects almost four million people in the UK, and 90 per cent of cases are caused by type 2 diabetes. The condition, which causes high blood sugar, is caused by the pancreas 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 useable energy. You could be at risk of diabetes symptoms if you a number of skin tags, experts have warned.

Skin tags are small, skin-coloured growths that hang from the skin, and look a little like warts, according to the NHS.

They’re very common, and are usually found on the neck, armpits, the groin, or under the breasts.

While they’re usually nothing to worry about and are very harmless, having numerous skin tags could be a sign of high blood sugar, warned the American Academy of Dermatology.

“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.

“This could mean that you have undiagnosed diabetes, or pre-diabetes, or your treatment for diabetes needs to be adjusted.

“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.

“Most skin problems are harmless, but even a minor one can become serious in people who have diabetes.

“A dermatologist can recognise skin problems due to diabetes and help you manage them.”

If you have a number of skin tags, it’s best to ask your doctor if you should be tested for diabetes, it added.

Skin tags are made up of loose collagen fibres and blood vessels, and they’re surrounded by skin. They can vary in colour and shape, but can reach up to 5cm wide.

If you’re looking to get rid of your skin tags, they can be removed in a similar way to warts by burnings or freezing them off.

But, on occasion, you doctor may recommend surgically removing your skin tag, as there is a minor risk of bleeding.

You could also be at risk of diabetes if you develop an outbreak of small, reddish-yellow bumps on your skin, added the American Academy of Dermatology.

The bumps, which look a little like pimples, are usually found on the thighs, crooks of the elbows, or backs of the knees.

More common diabetes symptoms include passing more urine than normal, feeling very tired, and having blurred vision.

You should speak to a doctor if you’re worried about the symptoms of diabetes.

Managing your blood sugar is crucial, as diabetes patients are more at risk of some deadly complications, including heart disease and strokes.

source: express.co.uk