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ACANTHOSIS NIGRICANS, OBESITY, AND DIABETES RISK FACTORS: A COMMUNITY-BASED MULTICENTER STUDY IN QASSIM, SAUDI ARABIA
M Alharbi1, R Albarrak2, A Alnassar3
11Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia.
Georgian Medical News
|January 9, 2026
Summary
Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is common in Saudi Arabia, affecting 17.3% of the studied population. This skin condition is significantly linked to obesity, highlighting a need for further research in younger demographics.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Dermatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a skin marker indicating insulin resistance and obesity.
- It serves as an early indicator for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
- Epidemiological data on AN prevalence in young Saudi Arabian populations are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of AN in Qassim, Saudi Arabia.
- To investigate the association between AN, obesity, and diabetes risk factors.
- To assess AN in a community-based sample.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2025.
- 420 participants aged ≥10 years were surveyed using a validated questionnaire.
- Obesity and AN were self-reported; laboratory data were limited.
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of AN was 17.3% in the mixed-age sample.
- Self-reported obesity prevalence was 24.0%.
- AN showed a significant association with obesity (p=0.005).
Conclusions:
- Acanthosis nigricans is relatively common in this Saudi Arabian population.
- Findings should be interpreted cautiously due to the mixed age group and self-reported data.
- Further research is needed, particularly focusing on younger age groups.
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