Type 2 diabetes: Is your hair beginning to look a certain way? Sign of high blood sugars

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Type 2 diabetes would seem benign were it not for the threat of rising blood sugar levels – the main sugar found in blood. It is an important source of energy and provides nutrients to the body but having too much of it can inflict damage on the vessels that supply blood to vital organs. When this occurs, sufferers may begin to notice their hair falling out.

Hair usually goes through three phases.

The first phase is known as the active growing phase and lasts around two years.

During this phase, hairs grow at a rate of one to two cm per month.

The next phase is known as the resting phase lasting around 100 days.

Once the next phase commences some of the resting hair falls out.

When a person has type 2 diabetes, these hair phases can be interrupted thus slowing down hair growth.

Having type 2 diabetes therefore could also cause hair loss.

When you don’t have insulin or it isn’t used effectively, sugar can build up in your blood, said Healthline.

The site added: “That excess sugar can damage organs all over your body, including your eyes, nerves, and kidneys.

“It can also damage your blood vessels.

“These vessels carry oxygen around your body to nourish organs and tissues.

“Damaged blood vessels may not be able to deliver enough oxygen to nourish your hair follicles.

“This lack of oxygen can affect your normal hair growth cycle.”

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Uncontrolled or untreated diabetes can result in a person’s blood sugar levels becoming too high, said Medical News Today.

The health site continued: “Persistently high blood sugar levels can lead to damage in various tissues, organs, and blood vessels within the body.

“Damage to blood vessels can restrict blood flow, resulting in certain cells getting less oxygen and nutrients than they need.

“This deficiency can negatively impact the normal growth cycle of hair follicles, which can lead to hair loss.”

According to experts, having high blood sugar levels could impact one’s hair in the following ways:

Impairing hair growth

Causing more hair to grow than normal

Stopping new hair from forming

Several different factors may cause a person with diabetes to lose hair, however the most common causes include:  

High blood sugar levels

Hormones and stress

Alopecia areata

Endocrinologist Dr Kevin Pantalone said: “Often what happens with symptoms in type 2 diabetes is that people minimise it or rationalise them and they get worse until they become severe enough that they have to see someone.

“They have excessive weight loss or are really tired of peeing all night.

“Because symptoms of diabetes are often subtle or non-existent, especially around the onset, it’s important to see your doctor regularly for a check-up and testing.”

If you have noticed your hair is falling out and you suspect it may be due to high blood sugar levels, speak to your GP about the next steps you can take to help lower your levels.

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