HAIR Loss is a common problem. It affects almost half of the population.
While age is the most significant risk factor, genetics play an important role.
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However, there could be a more serious cause of your hair loss: diabetes.
It affects millions around the world and requires lifelong management.
It can lead to a variety of serious complications, including kidney damage, heart attack, stroke, vision problems, and even cancer.
Barbie Cervoni is a registered dietitian who is also a certified diabetes education and care specialist. One of the more subtle signs of the condition could include hair loss.
She shared her story VeryWell: “Hair loss is often associated with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
“It is thought that certain problems caused by diabetes may result in hair loss, including an immune system disorder called alopecia areata, poor circulation, and high blood sugar.”
Type 1 diabetes refers to a condition in which the pancreas can’t produce insulin, the hormone that moves sugar from food into our cells.
Type 2 is when the body doesn’t use insulin properly (insulin resistance), so a larger amount is needed to manage sugar levels.
Barbie said: “Insulin is an important hormone that aids metabolism.
“When it is not being made or used properly, it leads to high blood sugar, which, in turn, can result in numerous serious complications throughout the body if not properly controlled.”
Type 2 diabetes, which is more common than any other form of diabetes, accounts for between 85 to 95 percent of all cases. Diabetes UK.
Nearly 13.6 million people are at risk. A million don’t know they do and aren’t being diagnosed.
The NHS states that many people have type-2 diabetes for years, but don’t realize it. Early symptoms can be difficult to detect.
These include fatigue, thirst, blurred eyes, blurred vision, and weight loss.
How diabetes can lead to hair loss
Barbie indicated that type 1 diabetics are more at risk for developing other autoimmune conditions.
“One of the most common is alopecia areata,”She said.
“This occurs when the immune system attacks the hair follicles, leading to patches of hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body.”
Alopecia areata can cause hair to fall out in tiny patches and even complete hair loss.
This happens when white blood cells attack hair follicle cells, which causes them to shrink and drastically slow down hair production.
Barbie says hyperglycemia is another reason for hair loss in diabetes.
Hyperglycemia is when someone with diabetes’ blood sugar levels stay elevated for a long time.
This can happen even if you are not diagnosed with diabetesNHS Inform says.
High blood sugar levels can cause damage to small blood vessels. This could result in a disruption of blood flow and nutrients to hair follicles.
Barbie said: “Hyperglycemia can also cause hair thinning, hair fragility, spareness of hair, or decreased hair growth speed.
“A 2019 study found that type 2 diabetes was associated with an increased risk of severe central scalp hair loss in black women.
“Researchers concluded that black women with type 2 diabetes should be followed closely for central scalp hair loss so that appropriate treatment can be offered.”
High blood sugar levels that are not managed can cause permanent damage to the eyes, feet and hands. This can even lead to amputations.
Diabetic ketoacidosis or diabetes is one of the most dangerous complications. “diabetic coma”, and severe dehydration.
Barbie said: “Because elevated blood sugar is associated with vascular disruption, poor circulation, and hormonal imbalances, maintaining your blood sugars within your normal range may contribute to preventing hair loss.”
Hyperglycemia can occur in people with diabetes when they are stressed, sick, eat too much or miss their medication.
Barbie said: “If your blood sugars are at goal and you are reaching your target numbers that you have created with your healthcare team, yet you are still losing your hair, contact your provider.
“There could be a different medical or nutritional reason as to why you are losing hair.”