Obesity rates have been on the rise over the last decade. In fact, there are more and more cases of children and teenagers being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes than ever.

14-year-old Pantera learned this the hard way when she began to notice the following changes in her health:

 She was thirsty all the time.
– She suffered from headaches and mood swings.
– And last but not least, she had a dark-colored ring around her neck.

This ring wasn’t just a random skin issue. According to Dr. Alyne Ricker, a pediatric endocrinologist at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, this type of darkening—called acanthosis nigricans—can be an early warning sign of insulin resistance. “When your body starts pumping out too much insulin—which is common with type 2—receptors in the skin folds respond by making extra pigment,” Dr. Ricker explains.

These patches of dark skin can show up not only on the neck, but also under the arms, between the thighs, around the fingers and toes, and even on the elbows or knees.

These patches of dark skin can show up not only on the neck, but also under the arms, between the thighs, around the fingers and toes, and even on the elbows or knees.

Doctors say that if you see this ring, then there’s a really good chance that your insulin isn’t working optimally. And if you’re insulin isn’t working smoothly, then you have higher chances of developing type 2 diabetes.

What Is the Dark Ring Around the Neck?

Dr. Alyne Ricker, a pediatric endocrinologist at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, explains that this condition is known as acanthosis nigricans.

It’s a common skin reaction when the body produces too much insulin — a hallmark of type 2 diabetes. “When your body starts pumping out too much insulin—which is common with type 2—receptors in the skin folds respond by making extra pigment,” Dr. Ricker says.

This discoloration typically appears in skin folds, such as:

– Around the neck
– Under the arms
– Between the thighs
– Between fingers and toes
– On elbows and knees

If you notice a velvety, darkened ring in any of these areas, especially when paired with other symptoms like excessive thirst or fatigue, it may be your body’s way of signaling that your insulin function is impaired.

Why It Matters

When insulin doesn’t work the way it should, the body struggles to control blood sugar levels. Over time, this dysfunction can lead to full-blown type 2 diabetes. Doctors emphasize that noticing acanthosis nigricans can be a crucial first clue, especially in children and adolescents.

If you’re unsure what this dark ring looks like, the video below provides a clear example. Being aware of these subtle symptoms can help with early diagnosis and better outcomes for kids like Pantera.