Dr Sylvia Kama-Kieghe, FRCGP — NHS GP & Women’s Health Doctor

Yes, there is a link. However, having a skin tag does not automatically mean you have insulin resistance or diabetes. 

The link between skin tags and insulin resistance

Insulin is a hormone responsible for helping manage blood sugar.

Insulin resistance happens when your body does not respond well to insulin. It is usually the next step towards developing type 2 diabetes.

Insulin resistance is also relevant to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), now known as PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovary Syndrome) making this an important women’s health conversation.

Research suggests that high levels of insulin and related growth factors, which are hormones involved in metabolising sugar, can stimulate the growth of skin and other tissues. This can lead to the development of skin tags.

What do skin tags look like?

Skin tags are benign, soft growths of the skin. You might have just one, or you may develop several.

They can appear in different areas, including:

• The face
• Under the arms
• Around the groin
• On the back or hands

Their appearance can also vary depending on your skin tone. They may look darker, brownish, or pinkish. Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell whether a growth is actually a skin tag.

Insulin resistance is not the only cause

Skin tags are very common, and there are several possible reasons why they develop.

These include:

• Friction: Clothes rubbing against the skin or skin rubbing together, particularly around the groin and underarms.
• Genetics: Your genes may play a role.
• Pregnancy: Skin tags can also develop during pregnancy.

So, although skin tags are linked to insulin resistance, they do not always indicate a problem with blood sugar.

When should you speak to your doctor?

A single skin tag is not usually a reason to panic. However, pay attention if you suddenly develop multiple skin tags, particularly if this is a new change.

It is also worth speaking to your doctor if you notice other symptoms, such as:

• Unusual tiredness, especially after eating
• Fatigue that does not match the effort you have put into your day
• Weight gain, particularly around your tummy
• Dark patches in skin folds or around the groin, known as acanthosis nigricans
• Irregular periods

Your doctor may recommend a fasting blood glucose test or an HbA1c (hemoglobin A1c) test to check for diabetes.

Key takeaway

Skin tags are common and mostly benign, and they can develop for several reasons. One skin tag does not automatically mean insulin resistance or diabetes.

However, if you suddenly develop multiple skin tags or notice other symptoms, speak to your doctor. Your skin can offer useful clues about what is happening inside your body, and a simple blood test can help check for underlying problems.

⚠️ Important Disclaimer — If you suddenly develop multiple skin tags, notice other skin changes, or if anything concerns you, speak to your doctor. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace an assessment by a healthcare professional. 

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