Your body has subtle ways of telling you when something isn’t quite right. Often, these signs can be easy to overlook or dismiss as part of everyday stress or lifestyle changes. However, some of these small shifts could be early indicators of larger health concerns, including diabetes. For instance, people with prediabetes can develop different kinds of skin changes, including darkened skin in various parts of the body.
Prediabetes is a condition that occurs when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. According to a study published in Diabetes Care, Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) and Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG) are key indicators of prediabetes. As of 2021, 9.1% of adults had IGT and 5.8% had IFG. By 2045, these numbers are expected to rise to 638 million and 414 million, with the largest growth in low-income countries.
So what are the steps that can be taken to prevent prediabetes progression to diabetes? And do lifestyle changes really make a difference? Read to learn more about it.
Also Read: How Diabetes Can Affect Different Parts Of The Body
Why Skin Changes Can Occur In Prediabetes Patients
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Anusha Nadig, Consultant - Endocrinology, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, says, "Darkened skin, specifically in areas like the armpits, neck, and back, can be a sign of prediabetes, known as acanthosis nigricans."
This occurs when high insulin levels in the bloodstream prompt skin cells to grow faster. The excess insulin triggers changes in the skin’s texture and pigmentation, causing it to thicken and darken.
In general, prediabetes occurs when cells in your body don’t respond normally to insulin, a hormone that acts like a key to let blood sugar into cells for use as energy, explains the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). When that happens, your pancreas makes more insulin to try to get cells to respond, eventually leading to increased blood sugar, which can cause prediabetes and type 2 diabetes if left unmanaged.
“Most People With Prediabetes Don’t Exhibit Symptoms”
According to Dr Nadig, most people with prediabetes don't exhibit symptoms, which is why making regular check-ups becomes extremely crucial.
“Individuals with prediabetes signs should get their blood sugar levels tested regularly, ideally every 3-6 months, depending on their healthcare provider's recommendations,” he says, adding that while early signs of prediabetes are often nonexistent, common risk factors include family history, obesity, physical inactivity, and being 45 or older.
Also Read: What Does An Ideal Breakfast Look Like For Diabetics: Foods To Eat And Avoid
Lifestyle Changes Can Prevent Progression
Dr Nadig is of the opinion that lifestyle changes can prevent prediabetes progression.
He says, “Effective measures include weight loss (7% reduction can lower type 2 diabetes risk by 58%), regular moderate-intensity exercise (150 minutes/week), and healthy eating patterns.”
He adds that quitting smoking, managing stress, and addressing sleep disorders also contribute to prevention.
Specific dietary habits that help reverse prediabetes include adopting the Mediterranean diet, cutting added sugars, and focusing on complex carbohydrates and vegetables. Working with a nutritionist or dietitian can help create personalised plans.