Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition that often flies under the radar, yet it serves as a striking visual cue to underlying health issues, most notably insulin resistance. Characterized by dark, velvety patches of skin, typically appearing in body folds like the neck, armpits, or groin, this dermatological phenomenon is more than a cosmetic concern—it's a window into metabolic dysfunction. As insulin resistance becomes increasingly prevalent in modern populations, driven by factors like obesity and sedentary lifestyles, understanding its association with acanthosis nigricans is crucial. This post delves into the mechanisms linking these two conditions, exploring how a seemingly superficial skin change can signal deeper systemic problems and why recognizing it early could be a game-changer for health outcomes.
Read Morevillain in this ongoing health saga. For decades, the medical community has held firm to the belief that high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), often dubbed "bad cholesterol," inevitably spell disaster for heart health. But what if this narrative isn't the full story? A groundbreaking new study conducted by a team of innovative researchers is turning this conventional wisdom on its head, particularly for a unique group known as lean mass hyper-responders (LMHRs). I wrote about lean mass hyper-responders in a previous post, which you can read here. Published in April 2025, this research dives into the effects of ketogenic diets on cholesterol and plaque buildup, offering fresh insights that could reshape how we assess cardiovascular risk. THis post will explore these findings and why they matter.
Read More