Acne in young men a pointer to diabetes

Are you suffering from a stubborn acne which is not resolved despite medication? If so, then it is time for a sugar test as a recent study published in JAMA dermatology states that acne in young adults could be an early sign of insulin intolerance — a pre-diabetic condition.

The cross-sectional study of 20 to 32-year-old men found that young adult men were more likely to have insulin resistance and higher fasting plasma glucose levels than those who men who didn’t have the problem of acne.

It was found that the cells in the body could not use the insulin efficiently to absorb and convert the glucose to energy.

Dr Shardha Laxmi, senior dermatologist explained, “Insulin sensitivity is suspected in cases where despite medication there is no improvement. Lifestyle management has been a line of treatment for both men and women to control acne. Improved physical activity, controlling the weight or abdominal obesity, a high fibre diet with low in sugar and processed foods has had an impact. Hence apart from medications, lifestyle modification is insisted. Those who follow see a major change but those who do not find not only an aggravation but are also clearly warned of prediabetic status.”

The study also found that blood pressure readings were also higher among those with acne. The men also had higher cholesterol and triglyceride levels indicating onset of lifestyle diseases.

Nutritionist Dr Madhursee explained, “In the cases of acne we have found that fried foods, processed and junk foods are found to play a major role. Cutting down these foods goes a long way in controlling the problem of acne.”