In recent years, obesity rates in children have climbed higher and higher. That means more young people, both children and teens, are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
When Pantera was just 14-years-old, she learned the truth first hand when her health started to suffer. She felt thirsty constantly and would get headaches and severe mood swings.
But that wasn’t all. Pantera also started to get an alien, strange dark circle around her neck. Mom thought she just wasn’t showering enough, but the truth led to a startling diagnosis.
While many people think the dark ring is just dirt, it’s actually a warning sign of Type 2 diabetes.
When the dark ring appears, doctors say it’s a sign that your body’s insulin isn’t working properly. This might be a sign of Type 2 diabetes which affects the way your body metabolizes sugar.
Besides on the neck, the dark ring called “acanthosis nigricans,” can also be found on the underarms or groin area.
Type 2 diabetes is more common in children and teens than ever before. When it appears early, it can be harder to treat. Therefore preventative measures are important. That includes exercising and eating right.
Pantera’s mom hopes her daughter’s story will inspire others to make lifestyle changes now instead of suffering the dire consequences of Type 2 diabetes.
“I’d like other parents to know that it can happen to your child even if you’re not diabetic and no one in your family is diabetic, it can happen,” Pantera’s mom told ABC News. The things that you’re feeding your children that you think are okay for your children — the chicken nuggets, and the french fries, and the chips — it’s not okay. You really have to monitor what you eat because it really does have a lifelong affect on their health.”
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