Understanding the Link Between Diabetes and Hair Loss
How Diabetes Affects Hair Growth
The Hair Growth Cycle
In simple terms, here’s how it works:
Anagen: This is the phase for active hair growth. It can last for many years.
Catagen: This is the phase when new hair grows starts to slow, and the hair follicle shrinks.
Telogen: During this phase, the lost hair is replaced by new hair growth.
With diabetes, these phases are impacted and the entire cycle strays further into imbalance, making it exceedingly more difficult to regrow hair.
Impact of High Blood Sugar on Hair Follicles
Apart from the aforementioned, diabetes also has other negative impacts. Consistently high blood sugar makes hair follicles extremely weak as blood sugar levels damage blood vessels, which leads to oxygen and nutrition deprivation for the scalp. The consequences are thinning or excessive hair loss leading to bald patches or baldness.
Insulin resistance is the hallmark of type 2 diabetes and may result in hair loss. As cells become insulin-resistant, the body overproduces insulin, which upsets the body’s hormonal balance and derange the hair cycle.
Common Causes of Hair Loss in Diabetic Patients
Poor Blood Circulation
Diabetes can lead to poor circulation, meaning hair follicles lack the nutrients. This can make hair brittle and slow down regrowth.
Hormonal Imbalances
Autoimmune Responses
Stress and Hair Loss
Nutritional Deficiencies
Medications and Their Effects on Hair Loss
Identifying Symptoms of Diabetes-Related Hair Loss
If you have diabetes and notice:
- Increased hair shedding,
- Slower hair regrowth,
- Bald patches on the scalp or body,
- Thinner, weaker hair strands,
Hair loss in eyebrows or eyelashes may be linked to your condition. Early intervention can help prevent further loss and promote regrowth.
Preventive Measures and Treatment Options
Maintaining Optimal Blood Sugar Levels
Controlling blood sugar levels is the best strategy to avoid diabetes-related hair loss. Maintaining an active lifestyle, eating a balanced diet, and following your doctor’s directions will help stabilize blood sugar levels and safeguard the health of your hair.
Medications and Topical Treatments
Over-the-counter minoxidil (Rogaine) could help to promote hair growth.
Medication to treat underlying illnesses: Treating conditions like thyroid problems can also increase hair regeneration.
Extras: Iron, vitamin D, and biotin all encourage healthy hair growth. PRP therapy relies on growth factors from your blood to stimulate hair follicles. LLLT, or low-level laser therapy, an external, non-invasive procedure that stimulates blood circulation on the scalp and, thus, promotes hair growth.
Certain drugs or herbal add-ons could lend a hand in lessening hair shed by putting the brakes on dihydrotestosterone also known as DHT, a hormone tied to hair getting sparse.
Lifestyle Modifications
- Consuming a well-balanced diet rich in spinach, high-protein foods, and healthy fats can help improve hair health.
- If you allow stress to get out of control, your hair may fall out more quickly. Taking deep breaths, practicing yoga, or focusing on your zen could help you relax and maintain your composure.
- Avoid using harmful chemicals and overheating your hair. Choose cooler hair care products instead of ones that can damage it.
- In addition to improving circulation, moving your body can help you manage your blood sugar and reduce stress.
- Find an activity that makes you happy and stick with it like glue.
- Holistic programs like the Diabetes Recovery Program can provide additional support for sustainable lifestyle modification.
