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Shedding Light on the Co-morbidities of DiabetesThe Complications of Having Rheumatoid Arthritis and Diabetes

skin discolorations?

RODNEY GIBBS
10/08/08
RODNEY GIBBS
Topics:Diabetes Symptoms

I HAVE THIS DARK SPOT ON MY LEFT LEG AND I'M CONCERNED. IT DOESN'T HURT BUT SOME TIMES IT ITCHES. WHAT COULD IT BE? I WANT TO GO SEE A DOCTOR ABOUT IT BUT, I'M AFFRAID OF WHAT HE/SHE MIGHT SAY. THANK YOU

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frankenduf
frankenduf
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frankenduf is Frank Duffy
nutritionist

I am a nutritionist at Temple University Hospital in North Philly,...

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

It may be acanthosis nigricans- a fancy name for dark spot.  If so, it is likely from Type II diabetes, where extra insulin deposits into the skin.  Hopefully through better sugar control, it will fade. 

 

Then again, it could be a cyst- a fancy name for abnormal growth.  This would only get worse if it gets infected- so any redness/swollen/hot/pain, and you should see the doc, because infections can get worse with diabetes.

 

In the end, if you are concerned, you should see the doc anyway- beyond any garden variety fears, the truth is that knowledge is power.

 

Good luck and remember- no matter what the doc says, the real thing to fear is the bill :)

 

 

Cherise Shockley
Cherise Shockley
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Cherise Shockley is Diabetic Community Moderator

I am 27, I was dignosed with Type 1.5/LADA in June 2004. I became...

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Mr. Gibbs-

 

I agree with Frank, it could be Acanthosis Nigricians. Here is a link to American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, it has a picture and how to treat it. The good thing is, it can go away with blood sugar control and weight control. Consult with your physician, so you can treat the dark spotSmile

 

Take Care

Cherise

Community Moderator

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