Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

What does acanthosis nigricans suggest about a patient's health?

1. A darkening and thickening of the skin indicative of insulin resistance

2. A pattern of deep labored breathing indicative of acidosis

3. Darkening of toenails indicative of poor pedal circulation

4. Blackening around edges of an ulcer indicative of tissue ischemia

The correct answer is: A darkening and thickening of the skin indicative of insulin resistance

Acanthosis nigricans is characterized by a darkening and thickening of the skin, typically occurring in areas such as the neck, armpits, and groin. This condition is often associated with insulin resistance, which is a key feature in various metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes. The presence of acanthosis nigricans may signal that the body is struggling to effectively use insulin, prompting the skin to change in appearance as a secondary effect. Understanding this connection is crucial in diabetes care and education, as identifying insulin resistance early can lead to interventions that may prevent the progression to more serious conditions, such as type 2 diabetes. This condition serves as a visible marker for healthcare providers to assess a patient's metabolic health and determine any necessary lifestyle changes or treatments. The other options describe unrelated health conditions. For example, deep labored breathing is indicative of respiratory or metabolic acidosis, while changes in toenails relate to circulation issues, and blackening around ulcers signifies tissue ischemia, all of which do not correlate with the significance of acanthosis nigricans.