Hyderabad doctor rides Metro, makes a shocking diabetes discovery on many commuters’ necks

A routine ride on the Hyderabad Metro turned into a surprising health observation for Dr Sunita Sayammagaru. While travelling, she noticed a striking pattern among fellow passengers: over half of the people she could observe had visible dark, velvety patches on the back of their necks, a condition known as Acanthosis Nigricans. These patches, which can also appear in skin folds like armpits, groin, and the abdomen, are an early indicator of insulin resistance—a precursor to diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

Dr Sayammagaru observed people of all ages, genders, and body types. Even individuals who appeared slim from behind often revealed a noticeable paunch when seen from the front. The presence of these skin changes, she explained, signals a need for lifestyle intervention to prevent further metabolic complications.

To counter insulin resistance, she recommends a combination of dietary and lifestyle adjustments: reducing junk food, limiting excess carbohydrates and fats, increasing protein intake, losing weight, staying active, exercising regularly, maintaining good sleep, and managing stress levels.



The images accompanying her post were sourced from the internet for representational purposes. Dr Sayammagaru’s observation highlights how everyday environments like public transport can reveal early warning signs of widespread health issues, urging individuals to take preventive action before problems escalate.
She clarified that she added the representative images to show what acanthosis means. It's not tan, as what majority of people in India think.

About insulin resistance

Insulin resistance occurs when cells in muscles, fat, and the liver don’t respond properly to insulin, impairing glucose uptake. Insulin moves sugar from the blood into cells for energy, but when cells resist, glucose builds up, prompting the pancreas to produce more insulin—a state called hyperinsulinemia. According to the Cleveland Clinic, blood sugar may stay normal initially, but chronic resistance can lead to hyperglycemia, prediabetes, and Type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance is linked to obesity, cardiovascular disease, PCOS, metabolic syndrome, and fatty liver. Anyone can be affected, with risk factors including excess belly fat, inactivity, family history, or certain medications, even in Type 1 diabetes.

Who is Dr Sunita Sayammagaru?

Dr Sunita Sayammagaru is a renowned Diabetologist and Endocrinologist based in Hyderabad. She completed her MBBS from Siddhartha Medical College, Vijayawada, and pursued advanced post-graduate training in the UK, earning multiple diplomas and certifications in endocrinology, diabetes, and reproductive healthcare.