TROUBLED by excessive body hair, a 14-year-old girl recently went to see a doctor at Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University. She was diagnosed with Type A insulin resistance syndrome, which is estimated to affect about 1 in 100,000 people worldwide, the Shenzhen Evening News reported.

The girl, identified as Momo, began to notice some changes in her body two years ago. The amount of hair on her body suddenly increased and the hair on her arms and legs began to grow thicker. In order to cover up her body hair, Momo dared not wear skirts or go swimming.

The skin on her armpits and neck began to fold over and the creases became thick and dark. At first, Momo’s mother thought she hadn’t been cleaning herself thoroughly.

A gynecological examination showed that besides excessive hair growth and dark skin, Momo also had increased androgen, polycystic changes in bilateral ovaries, high blood sugar and markedly high insulin levels.

Momo subsequently went to the endocrinology department where it was confirmed that she had developed Type A insulin resistance syndrome.

The syndrome is a hereditary endocrine disorder characterized by severe insulin resistance, a condition in which the body tissues and organs do not respond properly to the hormone insulin.

Most of the patients affected by the rare disorder are females aged between 8 and 30 years old. Typical features include hyperglycemia and severe hyperinsulinemia. Most patients also have acanthosis nigricans and hirsutism. In severe cases, patients will develop diabetes and chronic complications.

Momo’s condition has gradually improved following treatment. Her blood sugar has been controlled within the normal range and her insulin levels have been significantly reduced.

(Zhang Yu)