Correlation between acanthosis nigricans and insulin resistance in obese children in Manado

Background

Acanthosis Nigricans, which is a skin condition characterized by darkening and thickening of skin caused by papillomatosis and hyperkeratosis has been reported to be linked to insulin resistance and is thought to be a major factors in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Objective

To determine whether the presence of acanthosis nigricans in obese children is related with insulin resistance.

Methods

We performed a cross sectional analytic observational study. One hundred twenty three obese children, ages 10 – 14 years with and without acanthosis nigricans got examined for insulin resistance using Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance Index (HOMA-IR). Diagnosis of acanthosis nigricans is confirmed by a dermatologist. This study took place in Wenang district, Manado, North Sulawesi from October 2009 until January 2010.

Results

Acanthosis nigricans was found positive in 33 children (61.1%). We found insulin resistance in 84.4% of obese children with acanthosis nigricans. There was a positive correlation between acanthosis nigricans and obese children with insulin resistance (r=0.568, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Children with acanthosis nigricans are more likely have insulin resistance. Therefore, we need to identify acanthosis nigricans in obese children for the possibility of diabetes mellitus type 2 so early intervention can be done.