Archive · 12 Jan 2026
Dark Neck Patches Signal Insulin Resistance, Warns Doctor
A doctor in Maharashtra is warning people that dark, velvety patches on the neck or underarms, called Acanthosis Nigricans, are not just about poor hygiene.
These patches can be a sign that your body is not responding well to insulin, which can lead to serious health problems like diabetes or PCOS.
The doctor says that instead of scrubbing harder, people should focus on eating fewer carbs, more protein, and exercising to lower insulin levels.
He also suggests some tests to check for insulin resistance.
It's important to pay attention to these skin changes because they might be warning signs for bigger health issues.
Dark and velvety patches on the neck or underarms, known as Acanthosis Nigricans, indicate insulin resistance and potential underlying health issues like prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, PCOS, fatty liver, and metabolic syndrome.
Dr. Sayajirao Gaikwad, a homoeopathy specialist, explained that these patches are not due to poor hygiene but are a sign of the body's cells resisting insulin.
The solution to these patches is not scrubbing harder but lowering insulin levels through a low-carb diet, higher protein and healthy fats, weight loss, resistance training, and proper sleep.
Tests to check for insulin resistance include fasting glucose, HbA1c, fasting insulin (HOMA-IR), lipid profile, and OGTT.
Dr. Gaikwad also provided dietary guidelines to prevent and reverse early diabetes, emphasizing protein-rich meals, vegetables, daily movement, cutting sugar, and managing stress.
- Who
- Dr. Sayajirao Gaikwad, a homoeopathy specialist
- What
- Dark and velvety patches on the neck or underarms, known as Acanthosis Nigricans, indicate insulin resistance and potential underlying health issues
- When
- January 11, 2026
- Where
- Maharashtra, India
- Why
- To raise awareness about the medical condition and its implications for health
- Condition
- Acanthosis Nigricans
- Cause
- Insulin resistance
- Underlying Issues
- Prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, PCOS, fatty liver, metabolic syndrome
- Solution
- Low-carb diet, higher protein, healthy fats, weight loss, resistance training, proper sleep
- Tests for Insulin Resistance
- Fasting glucose, HbA1c, fasting insulin (HOMA-IR), lipid profile, OGTT
- Expert
- Dr. Sayajirao Gaikwad
- Date
- January 11, 2026