The 76th Texas Legislature created a pilot program to screen children attending school in nine border counties for acanthosis nigricans, a skin condition associated with insulin resistance and propensity for Type 2 diabetes. Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition that causes light brown-black, velvety, rough, thickened areas on the surface of the skin and signals high insulin levels in the body. The condition seems to be intensified in dark-skinned individuals. Although acanthosis nigricans can begin at any age, it is most frequently seen in preadolescence.
Obesity is a factor in most cases.
In many cases, proper nutrition, weight loss, and exercise decreases the visible signs of acanthosis nigricans, reduces the insulin levels and decreases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in youth. Under the pilot program, school nurses are required to screen children for acanthosis nigricans at the same time that vision, hearing and scoliosis screenings are performed. Schools will be required to notify parents if their child is identified as having acanthosis nigricans and recommend that the child be seen by a clinician. Physicians residing in the nine participating border counties will undoubtedly receive referrals from concerned parents whose children have been identified as having acanthosis nigricans. Medicaid will also pay for two evaluations and four follow-up sessions with a dietician.