Dr. Oz: A Guide to Your Body's Color Coding
Your body has clever ways of signaling health trouble. Here's a guide to what your hue says about you.
By Dr. Mehmet Oz
Black
Neck, armpits and groin
Dark, velvety patches found in your armpits and on your neck and groin are likely acanthosis nigricans. This slow-developing skin condition, which is more common in overweight and obese adults, can be a sign of type 2 diabetes. Researchers believe that insulin resistance (which causes high blood sugar and can lead to type 2 diabetes) can send some skin cells into overdrive, increasing skin thickness and darkening pigment.
Protect Yourself: To help prevent diabetes, pay particular attention to your diet. Filling up on high-fiber foods (think oatmeal, beans, and broccoli) can slow the body's absorption of sugar and, as a result, may keep blood sugar within a healthy range. One study found that prediabetics who consumed the most fiber were 62 percent less likely to develop full-blown diabetes than those who consumed the least.
Published 04/24/2013
As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.