Skin tags alone are not a sign of diabetes, but they do appear more often in people who have it
A skin tag is a small, soft growth of skin that hangs from the body, usually on the neck, armpits, groin, or under the breasts. Most skin tags are harmless and purely cosmetic. They are not cancer, and they do not turn into cancer.
Skin tags are more common in people with diabetes than in the general population, but this does not mean that having a skin tag means you have diabetes. Many people without diabetes develop skin tags, especially as they age or gain weight. However, if you have noticed skin tags appearing and you have other symptoms of diabetes—such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, or blurred vision—that combination warrants a conversation with your doctor.
Key Takeaways
- Skin tags are harmless growths that appear more frequently in people with diabetes, but they are not a reliable indicator of diabetes on their own.
- The link between skin tags and diabetes is thought to involve insulin resistance, a condition where the body does not respond properly to insulin.
- Skin tags can also be caused by friction, aging, weight gain, and genetics, none of which are related to diabetes.
- If you have skin tags along with symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, or unexplained fatigue, talk to your doctor about diabetes screening.
- Removing a skin tag does not treat or prevent diabetes; the two conditions are separate.
Why skin tags appear more often in people with diabetes
The exact reason skin tags form is not fully understood, but researchers have noticed they occur more frequently in people with type 2 diabetes and in people with insulin resistance—a condition where the body produces insulin but does not use it effectively. One theory is that high insulin levels in the blood may trigger skin cell growth, leading to the formation of skin tags.
This connection is strongest in people with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels. People with these conditions often have elevated insulin levels, which may explain why skin tags are more common in this group.
However, this link is not strong enough to use skin tags as a screening tool for diabetes. Many people develop skin tags for reasons that have nothing to do with blood sugar or insulin.
Other common causes of skin tags
Skin tags develop for several reasons, and diabetes is only one possible factor. Friction is a major cause—skin tags often form where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as in skin folds. This is why they are so common in the neck, armpits, and groin.
Age and weight gain also play a role. Skin tags become more common as people get older and are more frequent in people who are overweight or obese. Pregnancy can trigger skin tag formation due to hormonal changes and weight gain. Genetics matter too; if your parents or siblings had skin tags, you are more likely to develop them.
Certain skin conditions, such as acanthosis nigricans (dark, velvety patches of skin), do occur alongside both skin tags and diabetes. But acanthosis nigricans is a more specific sign of insulin resistance than skin tags alone.
When to see a doctor about skin tags
A single skin tag is not a reason to worry about diabetes. However, if you have multiple skin tags appearing over a short period of time, especially if you also have other symptoms, it is worth mentioning to your doctor at your next visit.
Talk to your doctor if you have skin tags along with any of these symptoms: increased thirst, frequent urination (especially at night), unexplained fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing cuts or sores, or tingling in your hands or feet. Your doctor can order a simple blood test to check your blood sugar and insulin levels if diabetes screening seems appropriate.
You should also see a doctor if a skin tag becomes irritated, bleeds, or changes in appearance. While these changes are usually not serious, a doctor can examine it and rule out other skin conditions.
How doctors diagnose diabetes
Doctors do not diagnose diabetes based on skin tags. Instead, they use blood tests that measure glucose (blood sugar) levels. The most common tests are the fasting blood glucose test, the A1C test (which shows average blood sugar over three months), and the oral glucose tolerance test.
If your doctor suspects you may have diabetes based on your symptoms or risk factors, they will order one of these tests. A single skin tag would not trigger this screening, but a combination of skin tags, weight gain, family history of diabetes, and other symptoms might.
Removing skin tags does not treat diabetes
If you have a skin tag removed—whether by a dermatologist, your primary care doctor, or another provider—this does nothing to treat or prevent diabetes. Removing the skin tag is a cosmetic procedure that addresses only the appearance of the growth.
If you have diabetes and also have skin tags, treating your diabetes (through diet, exercise, medication, or other means) may help prevent new skin tags from forming, since the underlying insulin resistance would be improving. But the removal of existing skin tags is separate from diabetes management.
What to do if you are concerned about diabetes
If you are worried about diabetes—whether because of skin tags or other reasons—the most straightforward step is to schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor. Bring a list of any symptoms you have noticed, including when they started and how often they occur.
Your doctor can review your personal and family history, discuss your lifestyle, and order blood tests if needed. If you do have diabetes, early detection and treatment can prevent serious complications. If you do not have diabetes, you will have peace of mind and can focus on other health concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does having a skin tag mean I have diabetes?
No. Skin tags are common in people without diabetes and can develop for many reasons, including friction, aging, weight gain, and genetics. While skin tags do appear more often in people with diabetes, they are not a reliable sign of the condition on their own.
Can skin tags be a warning sign of diabetes?
Skin tags alone are not a warning sign. However, if you develop multiple skin tags quickly and also have other symptoms—such as increased thirst, frequent urination, or fatigue—that combination is worth discussing with your doctor, who can order appropriate blood tests.
If I have skin tags, should I get tested for diabetes?
Not necessarily based on skin tags alone. If you have risk factors for diabetes (such as family history, overweight, or age over 45) or symptoms of diabetes, talk to your doctor about screening. Skin tags by themselves are not a strong enough reason to pursue testing.
Will treating my diabetes make skin tags go away?
Treating diabetes may help prevent new skin tags from forming by improving insulin resistance, but it will not remove existing skin tags. If you want a skin tag removed for cosmetic reasons, you would need a separate procedure with a dermatologist or doctor.
What is the difference between skin tags and acanthosis nigricans?
Skin tags are small, soft growths that hang from the skin. Acanthosis nigricans is a condition where patches of skin become dark, thick, and velvety, usually in skin folds. Acanthosis nigricans is more strongly linked to insulin resistance and diabetes than skin tags are.