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Hair Loss And Other Complications

R

Rori M

Newbie
Messages
4
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hello !

I’ve been a type one diabetic for over 15years. My diabetes hasn’t been well controlled. My A1C on average around 9. I was wanted to know if anyone experienced the following symptoms (they are pretty random ).
-hair loss
- swelling of hands and feet in direct sunlight
- water retention (if I’m in the heat too long)
- ankle swelling (not weather dependent)
- my cycle is borderline abnormal. I see my period in between 35-50 days. It’s usually pretty heavy for the first 4 days

Additional information
I experience most of these symptoms if the temperature is above 75 degrees and I’m in direct sunlight. These symptoms are not blood sugar related
My kidneys are fine
I have a heart murmur (not serious)
Asthmatic and gluten intolerant

My PC doctor seems a little confused by my weird symptoms. My Endocrinologist tested my kidneys, the results were fine. If anyone has any suggestions I will be so thankful!
 
Hello @Rori M and welcome to the forum :)

I haven't had any of these in connection to my type 1, I suffered hair loss in relation to my thyroid though, has your TSH levels been checked ? I can move your post to type 1 to get more visibility with t1 members too if you wish - let me know ?
 
Juicyj said:
Hello @Rori M and welcome to the forum :)

I haven't had any of these in connection to my type 1, I suffered hair loss in relation to my thyroid though, has your TSH levels been checked ? I can move your post to type 1 to get more visibility with t1 members too if you wish - let me know ?
Click to expand...

Thank you, yes please ! No I haven’t had my TSH levels checked. That’s definitely something I can ask my doctor
 
Hello @Rori M Thanks for letting me know, sorry I can't help more but other members might have answers for you :)
 
Hi Rory. You don't mention your weight or BMI but when I was more overweight than I am now I had many of the heat related symptoms that you mention particularly the swollen hands whenever I exercised. Since I have lost weight these have ceased.
Both high blood glucose levels and a lack of iron in the diet can contribute to hair loss. Sorting these out can reverse the problem!
 
Rori M said:
Thank you, yes please ! No I haven’t had my TSH levels checked. That’s definitely something I can ask my doctor
Click to expand...

Rori - In truth, as a T1, your thyroid function should be checked at least annually, due to some types of thyroid disease being auto-immune.

It might be an idea to see your GP and ask for a broad spectrum blood panel, including thyroid function. You mention you are intolerant to gluten; have you been tested for Coeliac Disease? Initially that's just a (couple of) bllod tests, but if you're having a blood draw, it could be useful to have a look at that too.

All of that said, some folks just don't function so well in the sun, but, personally, I'd want a decent blood panel done before defaulting to that thinking.

Good luck with it all.
 
Last edited:
Dr Snoddy said:
Hi Rory. You don't mention your weight or BMI but when I was more overweight than I am now I had many of the heat related symptoms that you mention particularly the swollen hands whenever I exercised. Since I have lost weight these have ceased.
Both high blood glucose levels and a lack of iron in the diet can contribute to hair loss. Sorting these out can reverse the problem!
Click to expand...

I’m 4’11 and 115 lbs. Thank You for the suggestions ! I will definitely take it into consideration.
 
DCUKMod said:
Rori - In truth, as a T1, your thyroid function should be checked at least annually, due to some types of thyroid disease being auto-immune.

It might be an idea to see your GP and ask for a broad spectrum blood panel, including thyroid function. You mention you are intolerant to gluten; have you been tested for Coeliac Disease? Initially that's just a (couple of) bllod tests, but if you're having a blood draw, it could be useful to have a look at that too.

All of tha said, some folks just don't function so well in the sun, but, personally, I'd want a decent blood panel done before defaulting to that thinking.

Good luck with it all.
Click to expand...

I was tested for Coeliac the results were negative. I will definitely take your suggestions into consideration! Thank you
 
Hi @Rori M,
I agree with @Juicyj,
From my reading Type 1 diabetes can be associated with other conditions like coeliac disease, thyroid disease etc.
And how well controlled is your coeliac disease ? Could there be a loss of protein, important vitamins and minerals occurring?
And I gather that the gluten-free grains tend to be higher GI (a measure of how quickly the sugar from them is absorbed) compared to other grains, so making bsls shoot upwards more quickly.
If further tests can sort out your present troubles if may be that your diabetes control can improve. With further information about your diabetes treatment the 'brains trust' here can offer their own experiences to support you in this.
 
Sorry Rori not to be of any help but I have had no past association of your symptoms to my experiences of being Type 1 but please, follow the above guidance from those above.

Kevin
 
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