With obesity rates continuing to skyrocket among children in the past few years, so have cases of Type 2 diabetes among children and teens.
The 14-year-old Pantera first began to notice just how thirsty she was. She also suffered from frequent headaches. And her family noticed mood swings. But the oddest symptom was a ring around her neck which looked to be like stretch marks — and this unique ring was exactly what alerted doctors to her Type 2 diabetes.
14-Year-Old Discovers Dark Ring Around Her Neck, Doctors Warn It’s A Telltale Symptom Of This Disease
Pantera now has to test her blood sugar and give herself a shot of insulin each and every single day.
Doctors say the dark, thick ring behind the neck could be a sign that your insulin isn’t working properly.
This could signify Type 2 diabetes, which is a lifelong condition that affects the way your body metabolizes sugar.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic, lifelong condition that affects your insulin levels and the way your body metabolizes glucose or as you may know it, sugar.
The ring pigmentation is called acanthosis nigricans and it can also be found on the armpit as well as the groin.
The elevated insulin levels in the body activate insulin receptors in the skin, which force it to grow abnormally and cause extra pigmentation, according to AOCD.org.
Experts say Type 2 diabetes is more common among young people than ever.
However, it should be noted that Type 2 diabetes can be fully cured, unlike Type 1 diabetes.
“Type 1 diabetes is caused by the body’s immune system damaging the pancreas and, therefore, no insulin can be manufactured by the body. In Type 1 diabetes, the body fails to make insulin. In Type 2 diabetes, the body either develops a resistance to insulin or not enough insulin is produced to lower the blood sugars,” according to the health website, Cano Health states.
And in children, it reportedly progresses more rapidly and is more difficult to treat. Pantera along with her mom hope that by sharing their story, they will inspire other families to make healthier lifestyle changes.
“I’d like other parents to know that it can happen to your child even if you’re not diabetic and no one in your family is diabetic, it can happen,” Pantera’s mom told ABC News.
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