Diabetes is a medical condition that causes hormonal disorders and also leads to thinning of hair or hair loss. It is an established fact that there is a connection between diabetes and hair loss. Diabetes normally remains undetected for a considerable long period as the symptoms at the early stage are either not considered significant or are often neglected. Diabetes occurs when the body cannot use glucose (blood sugar) properly due to (I) either lack of the hormone insulin (Type-1 diabetes) or (ii) insulin does not work effectively (Type-2 diabetes).
First of all, you should get the hair loss symptoms diagnosed by a qualified doctor to know the root cause of hair fall and till such time desists from using any lotion or hair conditioner as these will not help to solve your problem. Hair loss due to diabetes begins at the onset of the disease and gradually, becomes worse with the severity of the disease.
In diabetes, the scalp is vulnerable to bacterial and fungal infections which may lead to hair loss. Early detection of diabetes symptoms like blurred vision, frequent urination, unquenchable thrust, excessive weight loss, weakness, and fatigue, and early treatment can help in controlling diabetes as well as unwarranted hair loss.
How diabetes can lead to hair loss due to the following reasons:
Stress
Diabetes causes lots of anxiety and stress for the person. Taking care of diet, medication, and exercise to combat high sugar levels creates stress and causes hair loss in diabetic patients. High-stress levels also prevent the regrowth of hair.
Endocrine abnormality
Uncontrolled diabetes and sugar levels disrupt the normal functioning of the endocrine system. It leads to androgen abnormalities that further inactivate the hair follicles. The result is extensive hair loss.
Can I tell you about Diabetes (Type 1)?
from: RedShelf
Blood circulation problem
In diabetes, blood sugar level becomes very high which affects the circulatory system. High blood sugar chemically reacts to red cells of the blood and makes them less flexible. These cells can stick in blood vessels (capillaries) and may lead to a circulation problem. If this occurs in the capillaries that supply blood to hair follicles then these follicles may die and may lead to hair loss.
Nature Made Diabetes Health Pack, 60 Packets
Hormonal imbalance
Diabetes can also have an indirect effect on hair loss as a result of autoimmune disorders. Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system accidentally attacks healthy tissue because it misidentifies the tissue as foreign. This can be one cause of diabetes, because the immune system can attack insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to reduced insulin production.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the hair follicles, leading to hair loss and the creation of small patches of baldness. Other examples of autoimmune problems are the skin rash Vitiligo, pernicious anemia, and dysfunctional thyroid gland that may accompany another autoimmune disease.
You may also like:
Super Foods that Prevent and Fight Diabetes
Cure Diabetes with Acupressure
Home Remedies for Diabetes
Effects of medication
Certain prescribed medications for the treatment of diabetes may cause side effects. Depending upon the individual case, the medications can also cause diffused hair growth and thus hair loss.
Tips to Prevent Hair Loss Due to Diabetes
Control of sugar levels is the first thing one should do to prevent hair loss. With the right treatment in time, a person can expect a decline in hair loss and growth of hair after some months.
A healthy diet provides vital vitamins and other nutrients to the body as well as to the hair follicles. A good diet that includes fresh vegetables and fruits will take care of the health of the hair and its growth.
Keep the stress level within the limit. Properly planning your daily routine that includes exercise, walking, and taking prescribed medicines in time among other things will help you to keep the stress level in control. Involve in such activities that keep you happy.
Meditation is good for the mind and body. It is a great stress reliever. Use suitable shampoos for hair so that they facilitate the regrowth of hair.
Related Post:
How Diabetes adversely affects your body
