With nearly three million people in Taiwan currently living with diabetes, medical experts are warning that many patients are only diagnosed after chronic high blood sugar has already caused significant damage to the cardiovascular system and kidneys. Dr Li Sixian, a family medicine practitioner at the Chu-Ri Clinic, recently highlighted that hormonal shifts, chronic inflammation, and metabolic changes caused by elevated glucose levels often manifest physically on the face long before a formal diagnosis.
According to Dr Li, research indicates that when the body remains in a state of high blood sugar or insulin resistance, sebum secretion and inflammatory responses are frequently altered. He identifies seven specific facial changes that serve as metabolic “red flags.” Dr Li advises that if an individual notices three or more of these symptoms, they should prioritise a professional blood glucose evaluation over expensive skincare treatments.
1. Persistent Puffiness Around The Eyes
While ageing naturally causes skin laxity, unexplained swelling or “bags” under the eyes can be linked to water retention and chronic systemic inflammation. These are often early indicators of underlying metabolic issues that affect how the body processes fluids and handles oxidative stress.
2. Thinning Hair And An Oily Scalp
Beyond hereditary male-pattern baldness, thinning hair accompanied by a noticeably shiny or oily scalp can be a sign of hypothyroidism. Studies show that thyroid hormones are closely linked to overall metabolism, and imbalances in this area frequently coexist with insulin resistance, leading to compromised hair follicle health.
3. Adult Acne And Hormonal Breakouts
High insulin levels or insulin resistance can trigger an increase in sebum production. If an adult continues to experience persistent acne well past their teenage years, it may not be a simple hygiene issue. Instead, it often points to a hormonal imbalance driven by poor glucose metabolism.
4. Acanthosis Nigricans (Darkened Skin Patches)
Often associated directly with insulin resistance, high levels of insulin can cause skin cells to reproduce rapidly. This results in the skin becoming thicker and darker in certain areas. In children and adolescents, these dark, velvety patches—often found on the neck or face—can appear even before a blood test shows abnormal sugar levels.
5. Chronic Dryness Of The Lips And Mouth
Elevated blood sugar levels often lead to frequent urination as the body attempts to flush out excess glucose. This increased fluid loss can leave the body in a state of mild dehydration, resulting in persistently dry lips and a parched mouth, regardless of water intake.
6. Scalloped Tongue (Dental Impressions)
A “scalloped tongue” occurs when the tongue becomes slightly swollen, causing the edges to press against the teeth and leave visible indentations. This physical change is frequently associated with fluid retention or systemic swelling, both of which are common side effects of metabolic dysfunction.
7. Brown Spots And Increased Pigmentation
While sun exposure is a primary cause of dark spots, chronic high blood sugar triggers a process called glycation. This reaction occurs when excess sugar attaches to proteins in the skin, accelerating the ageing process and increasing the likelihood of brown pigment spots appearing on the face and cheekbones.
Dr Li emphasises that ignoring these seven facial warnings allows blood sugar issues to worsen silently. Early detection through a simple blood test can significantly reduce the long-term risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and other severe metabolic disorders.
