Easily Identifiable Skin Condition Linked To Liver Damage Risk In Type 2 Diabetes Patients, Study Finds

A groundbreaking study conducted by Fortis C-DOC Hospital for Diabetes and Allied Sciences, AIIMS, Diabetes Foundation (India), and National Diabetes Obesity and Cholesterol Foundation (NDOC) has revealed that a common skin condition, Acanthosis Nigricans (AN), may serve as a crucial marker for liver damage risk among individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Characterized by dark, leathery skin patches, typically observed at the nape of the neck, AN has long been associated with insulin resistance. However, the recent study indicates that its presence may signal a heightened risk of liver cell damage (fibrosis) in type 2 diabetes patients, allowing for early detection and intervention strategies.

Co-authored by renowned diabetes expert Dr. Anoop Misra, Padma Shri, along with a team of researchers from partner institutions, the study underscores the significance of AN assessment in Asian Indians, given the region's high prevalence of insulin resistance and early-onset type 2 diabetes.

Key findings from the study include:

• A strong correlation between AN and hepatic fat and fibrosis, particularly in women, overweight/obese individuals, and those with a family history of type 2 diabetes.
• The severity of neck AN showed the strongest correlation with fasting insulin and glucose levels, and insulin resistance, compared to AN at other sites such as the axilla and knuckles.

Methodology: The study involved the assessment of 150 individuals with type 2 diabetes and AN, alongside an equal number without AN, recruited from Fortis-CDOC Hospital for Diabetes and Allied Sciences, New Delhi. Patients underwent physical examinations and biochemical tests, with special emphasis on grading the appearance of neck AN based on texture and severity. Abdominal sonography and Fibroscan were employed to evaluate liver span and hepatic steatosis.

Dr. Anoop Misra, Padma Shri, commented, "Our observations highlight an independent association between AN and adverse markers of liver damage among type 2 diabetes patients, underscoring the importance of early detection and management."

Lead author Koel Dutta, Clinical Associate and Diabetes Educator at Fortis C-Doc Hospital, added, "Our study offers novel insights into the clinical significance of AN in relation to liver health, providing a valuable tool for assessing liver damage risk in type 2 diabetes patients."