Hair loss. Type1.

[NadeneLouise]

Hi guys,

I'm a newly diagnosed Type 1 (about four or five months), and was wondering if anybody had experienced hair loss? I used to have really long, thick, healthy looking hair and ever since I got diagnosed it's become limp, thin and looks like straw. Every time I brush it or wash it large clumps come out. I honestly feel like crying every time I look at my hair!!

 

[itconor]

No hair loss here, however Diabetes has been linked to an increase risk of thyroid issues which can cause your hair to thin, maybe get your Doctor to check your thyroid levels

 

[Maja08]

Hello!

Yes, I had the exact same thing happening for me almost 2 years ago!
I went to a hair specialist, and now I'm almost back to normal. Its a very slow process, but almost all people get their hair back!

 

[NadeneLouise]

Thank you!

 

[CarbsRok]

Hi guys,

I'm a newly diagnosed Type 1 (about four or five months), and was wondering if anybody had experienced hair loss? I used to have really long, thick, healthy looking hair and ever since I got diagnosed it's become limp, thin and looks like straw. Every time I brush it or wash it large clumps come out. I honestly feel like crying every time I look at my hair!!

Hi Nadene,
quite often when diabetes is poorly controlled or newly diagnosed ie high blood sugars this does cause hair loss, this will improve as your numbers improve. As already mentioned thyroid problems can also cause hair loss.
If you think about it though your body has been put through the wringer in the last few months hence why it's highlighting the problem in your hair.

 

[Maja08]

well I have to disagree with you on this one.
My diabetes was fine when I started to loose my hair. It can be other causes.. Like ordinary stress, worries etc.. It can also be a genetic thing. So it's not always the diabetes. It sure could be in this case, but it could also "just" be the stress she is going through when adjusting to a new/other life..

 

[June_C]

Ok, another possibility. Prior to diagnosis (T1) my bg levels were high and after blood tests I was found to have low B12 levels., but my thyroid was normal. I was shedding hair at an alarming rate, which was distressing. Now that bg numbers are roughly where they should be (Insulin injections) and the B12 is back to normal (through a combination of meds and change of diet) I am no longer losing hair. To this day I don't know what caused the hair loss, could have been high glucose levels or lack of B12 or simply the stress of knowing something was wrong and then adjusting to my changed lifestyle. I also switched shampoos to the types that are supposed to 'repair and protect', not that I take a lot of notice of the hype, but I was desperate not to go bald !!!!!! I have also found 'Volumising' blow dry lotion has helped enormously. Try not to worry about the hair loss, it will stop or at least it did in my case.

 

[Sibyl]

Hi guys,

I'm a newly diagnosed Type 1 (about four or five months), and was wondering if anybody had experienced hair loss? I used to have really long, thick, healthy looking hair and ever since I got diagnosed it's become limp, thin and looks like straw. Every time I brush it or wash it large clumps come out. I honestly feel like crying every time I look at my hair!!

Hi NadeneLouise! I was diagnosed T1 last October. It took the GP 9 months to discover I was diabetic and during that time I would say I lost at least half my head hair! I was considering going for a Judy Dench! I was put on insulin and although it slowed down it was still coming out. Now almost 10 months later it's back to normal - huge sigh of relief! When I investigated it I found it's not uncommon. They think it's a result of the body being under severe stress. Since then I have met others who had the same experience. Of course it could indeed be a thyroid problem as has been mentioned but you should have that checked automatically within the 1st year of diagnosis and annually after that. Big hugs and keep positive!