Over the past decade, obesity rates have been steadily increasing—and not just among adults. Worryingly, more and more children and teenagers are now being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, a condition that was once considered rare in young people.

One such case is that of 14-year-old Pantera, who began noticing unusual changes in her health. At first, they seemed minor, but they quickly became difficult to ignore:

• She was constantly thirsty, no matter how much water she drank.

• She experienced frequent headaches and dramatic mood swings.

• And most concerning of all, she developed a dark, velvety ring around her neck.

At first glance, the discoloration might look like poor hygiene or a simple skin issue. However, doctors warn that it’s often much more serious. According to Dr. Alyne Ricker, a pediatric endocrinologist at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, this condition is called acanthosis nigricans, and it may be one of the earliest visible warning signs of insulin resistance—a key precursor to type 2 diabetes.

“When your body starts producing excessive amounts of insulin—which is common in early type 2 diabetes—the receptors in skin folds react by increasing pigment production,” Dr. Ricker explains.

This skin darkening doesn’t just appear on the neck. It can also show up in other areas where the skin folds or rubs together, including:

• Under the arms

• Between the thighs

• Around the fingers and toes

• On the elbows and knees

The patches are typically dark brown or black, have a soft or velvety texture, and often go unnoticed until other symptoms begin to emerge.

Why You Should Pay Attention to This Subtle Symptom

Acanthosis nigricans itself is not dangerous, but it’s often a red flag for something more serious happening inside the body. The condition indicates that insulin—the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar—is no longer functioning efficiently. When insulin sensitivity decreases, the body compensates by producing more of it, eventually overwhelming the system and leading to type 2 diabetes.

Medical professionals stress the importance of recognizing these early signs, especially in children and teens, where lifestyle changes and early intervention can make a significant difference in long-term outcomes.

“This dark ring can be your body’s way of waving a red flag,” says Dr. Ricker. “If paired with other symptoms like extreme thirst, frequent urination, or fatigue, it’s crucial to consult a doctor.”

Taking Action Early

If you or a loved one notices this type of skin discoloration—particularly alongside signs like weight gain, irritability, or persistent tiredness—it’s worth seeking medical advice. Doctors may recommend blood tests to assess insulin levels, glucose tolerance, and other metabolic indicators.

The good news is that insulin resistance and even early-stage type 2 diabetes can often be managed—and sometimes reversed—with dietary adjustments, increased physical activity, and medical support. In Pantera’s case, early detection helped her and her family make critical changes to her diet and lifestyle.

Stay Informed, Stay Healthy

Understanding the body’s subtle signals can be a powerful tool in preventing long-term illness. Acanthosis nigricans might be easy to overlook, but its presence could help catch a serious condition early—before it progresses.

If you're unsure what this dark ring might look like, educational videos and medical resources are available to help you recognize it. By staying informed and proactive, families can protect their children’s health and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications later in life.