Here Are How Diabetes and Hair Loss Closely Related
Healthful Vitality | 08/21/2021 | By Guest Contributor | How Diabetes and Hair Loss Closely Related
Diabetes literature reveals that diabetes and hair loss are related. Particularly, hair loss can occur because of several reasons, including signs of prediabetes. Indeed, type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a metabolic disorder that can damage several organs. Researchers suggest that detection of early signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus will help to manage it properly. Diabetes mellitus affects the kidney, nervous and cardiovascular systems. Evidence shows that based on hair follicle features, diabetes can be assessed at an initial stage.
Admittedly, the signs of vascular injury and changes in the hair follicle can be observed in diabetes. Although the relationship is yet to be established, hair loss can be used as an early risk marker. Therefore, end-organ damage and other severe effects of diabetes can be avoided.
Hair loss as an early indicator of hyperglycemia
The hair follicle requires a proper amount of oxygen and nutrients to maintain its structure. An increase in blood sugar levels can decrease the oxygen and nutrient supply. This, in turn, leads to impaired vascular flow, hair loss ad altered hair features. Hair thinning, hair loss, decreased hair growth can be caused due to persistent diabetes.
Loss of hair is subtle, so patients are unable to notice it early. A thorough examination by using dermatologic techniques will help to see the active changes in the scalp. Skin damage occurs in an advanced stage of diabetes, but the association between diabetes and hair follicles needs further research.
Types of hair loss seen in diabetic patients
There are different patterns of hair loss that can be observed in diabetic patients, which are discussed below:
- Androgenetic alopecia (Baldness): This type of permanent hair loss results from insulin resistance. Impaired microvascular flow in diabetes plays a key role in androgenic alopecia.
- Hair loss in the legs: Some studies proposed that leg hair loss may be related to diabetes and considered a predictor of diabetes.
- Alopecia areata (Patchy hair loss): Loss of hair with circular bald matches can be caused due to autoimmune disease. As Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, it may cause different patterns of hair loss.
- Microscopic mite on the scalp: Demodex folliculorum in diabetic patients has affected hair follicle properties. This result shows that Type 2 diabetes and the presence of this mite can lead to hair loss.
How diabetes and hair loss are closely related: Clinical significance
- Risk predictor: Several studies have identified the role of loss of hair as an effective tool for managing diabetes. It will help in preventing complications that are generally seen in diabetic patients.
- Early management in diabetes: Active treatment for increased blood sugar levels will enable by observing changes in hair characteristics. Management approaches such as pharmacological therapies and lifestyle modifications could be considered.
- Preventive strategies: The treatment can be initiated based on hair growth pattern and severity of DM. The relationship between hair loss and increased blood sugar levels will help to develop preventive strategies for diabetes control.
- A simple examination method: Assessment of hair loss in diabetic patients is a simple, easy and effective technique that can be self-performed. In general, no additional laboratory tests are needed
Indeed, research is clear that prediabetes is a Big Deal. Moreover, diabetes mellitus is more challenging to live with than prediabetes. Mainly, Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a ‘silent killer.’ Therefore, hair loss as a sign of prediabetes has great importance for diabetes control and healthy living.