What is Acanthosis Nigricans (AN)?
Acanthosis Nigricans (AN) literally means thick, coarse, and dark. It is a brown, velvety, sometimes verrucous discoloration of the skin affecting the collar area
of the neck, the axillae, the inner surface of the thighs, the elbows and knuckles, and the skin folds of the abdomen. The back of the neck is the area most commonly
involved, and, most severely affected.
Once thought to be a rare skin lesion, AN has recently been established as common, particularly among minority populations. Many researchers now believe that AN is an important risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
What research has been done about Acanthosis Nigricans (AN)?
From 2002 through 2004 RIOS Net conducted a project to determine the prevalence of diabetes and diabetes risk factors in member practices. Participation in the
study involved completion of a web based CME on Acanthosis Nigricans (AN) and then recording information over a 2 week period on patients ages 7-39.
How Will PRIME-Net Build On Previous Research?
Previous RIOS Net surveys have shown screening for AN may help clinicians detect the onset of diabetes earlier in certain types of patients who are
susceptible to these symptoms. PRIME-Net will seek input from previous research participants' to determine how effective the awareness of AN screening
& research has succeeded.
