Research Highlighted on Facebook

The following BWHS research publication was recently highlighted on the study’s Facebook page. To see the full BWHS research publication list, visit the Publications page.

Association of type 2 diabetes with central-scalp hair loss in a large cohort study of African American women

Hair loss on the central scalp affects African American women much more commonly than women in other ethnic/racial groups. The causes are obscure, although one hypothesis suggests that type 2 diabetes may increase the risk. We examined this hypothesis in the BWHS, in the largest study yet conducted of type 2 diabetes in relation to central hair loss. BWHS participants with type 2 diabetes were found to be at increased risk for severe central scalp hair loss. By monitoring diabetes patients for signs of hair loss, health care providers could offer appropriate referral for early treatment.

Coogan PF, Bethea TN, Cozier YC, Bertrand KA, Palmer JR, Rosenberg L, Lenzy Y. Association of type 2 diabetes with central-scalp hair loss in a large cohort study of African American women. Int J Womens Dermatol 2019;5:261–6. doi: 10.1016/j.ijwd.2019.05.010.

Visit the Publications page for summaries of all BWHS research.