Reversal of alopecia by insulin therapy in uncontrolled type 2 DM: A case report

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease that results in micro-vascular and macro-vascular complications. Further, uncontrolled hyperglycemia can damage blood vessels and alters the anagen and telogen phases of hair growth leading to alopecia. We report a case of a 54-year-old woman diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension suffering from hair loss on the right side of scalp without any signs and symptoms of scalp inflammation. All the possible causes such as lipid profile, side effects of hypoglycemic agents and anti-hypertensive therapy, trichotillomania, and dermatological diseases were ruled out. Here, we emphasize that damaged blood vessels that hinder oxygen supply and nutrients to hair follicles could be the reason behind alopecia in DM patients. Furthermore, insulin plays an important role in cell proliferation and regrowth of hair follicles. It was also noted that patients’ response to glycemic control was remarkable, and timely initiation of insulin in patients with DM and alopecia restores normal hair growth. Still, more extensive research is required in this field, which will ultimately be helpful in the prevention of alopecia in DM patients.

Keywords

• diabetic complications
• hair fall
• hba1c level
• insulin therapy
• team approach