Does Diabetes Cause Hair Loss
Living with diabetes can be challenging, with various health issues to manage. One question that often arises is whether diabetes causes hair loss. Is diabetes and hair loss correlated? Does diabetes cause hair loss? Understanding this connection can help you take better care of your hair and overall health.
Hair loss is a normal aspect of the life cycle of the hair. Hair will fall out as it reaches the end of its life cycle. To replace it, new hair will usually sprout from the same hair follicle. A new hair may fail to develop at times. This hair loss might be evident if there are big patches of the head where new hairs do not emerge. There are numerous debates on “what can cause hair loss” and “how could we fix them?” There are numerous things that could result in excessive hair loss. Stress, hormones, excessive blood sugar levels, and underlying health issues such as diabetes can all have an impact on hair growth.
If you have diabetes, your body either does not generate insulin or does not use it well. The hormone insulin transports sugar from your circulation into your cells, where it may be stored or used as energy. Sugar can build up in your blood when you do not have enough insulin or when it's not utilized properly. Excessive amounts of sugar can harm organs all over your body or cause nerve and blood vessel damage. Blood vessels that are damaged may not be able to give enough oxygen to your hair follicles. This shortage of oxygen might have a negative impact on your typical hair growth cycle and cause patchy hair loss.
Can Type 1 Diabetes Cause Hair Loss?
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This lack of insulin can lead to various complications, including hair loss. So, we can say that diabetes and hair loss are connected. But does diabetes cause hair loss? In type 1 diabetes, hair loss can occur due to poor blood circulation, nutritional deficiencies, or hormonal imbalances, all of which affect hair growth and health.
Can Type 2 Diabetes Cause Hair Loss?
Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance, can also lead to hair loss. Similar to type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes can cause poor blood circulation, leading to insufficient nutrients reaching hair follicles. This nutrient deficiency can weaken hair follicles, causing them to fall out prematurely.
Why Does Diabetes Cause Hair Loss?
Diabetes affects your body’s ability to produce or use insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. Here are some reasons why diabetes can cause hair loss:
- Poor Blood Circulation: High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, reducing blood flow to various parts of the body, including the scalp. This lack of blood flow can starve hair follicles of essential nutrients.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Diabetes can disrupt your hormone levels, which play a crucial role in hair growth.
- Stress: Managing a chronic condition like diabetes can be stressful, and stress is a well-known cause of hair loss.
- Medications: Some medications used to treat diabetes can have side effects, including hair loss.
Does Diabetes Cause Hair Loss On Head?
Yes, diabetes can cause hair loss on the head, as well as other parts of the body. The scalp is particularly vulnerable because it requires a steady supply of blood and nutrients for hair growth. When diabetes disrupts this supply, hair follicles can enter a resting phase and stop producing new hair, leading to noticeable thinning or bald patches.
How to Stop Hair Loss From Diabetes?
While dealing with hair loss due to diabetes can be challenging, there are steps you can take to minimize it:
- Control Blood Sugar Levels: Keeping your blood sugar levels within a target range can improve overall health and potentially reduce hair loss.
- Maintain a Healthy Diet: Ensure you get enough vitamins and minerals, particularly those that support hair health, like biotin, zinc, and vitamins A and E.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water helps maintain healthy skin and hair.
- Manage Stress: Engage in stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or hobbies you enjoy.
- Consult a Doctor: Talk to your healthcare provider about your hair loss. They might adjust your medication or suggest treatments like topical solutions or supplements.
How Diabetes Affects Hair Growth
Hair passes through four stages on average. The active growth period lasts at least two years. Hairs grow 1 centimeter every month during this period. Then, hair enters a resting phase. This can continue for almost 4 months. Some resting hair will fall out after this stage. Diabetes can block this process, decreasing hair growth. Diabetes might also make you lose more hair than usual. Hair loss caused by diabetes can occur on your legs, thighs, as well as other body areas.
Alopecia areata is a disorder that is more common in those with type 1 diabetes. The immune system destroys the hair follicles in alopecia areata, resulting in hair loss on the head and other regions of the body. Moreover, chronic illnesses like diabetes create stress on the body. Since stress and hair loss are also linked, the effect of diabetes on hair loss is a lot. Lastly, diabetes medications could also cause hair loss.
FAQs About Diabetes and Hair Loss
Can uncontrolled diabetes cause hair loss?
Yes, uncontrolled diabetes can significantly contribute to hair loss. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, reducing the supply of nutrients to hair follicles, leading to hair thinning or loss.
Can pre diabetes cause hair loss?
Pre-diabetes, where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes, can also cause hair loss. This condition can still affect blood circulation and hormone levels, leading to hair thinning or shedding.
At the Asmed clinic, we specialize in the most modern hair transplant techniques, such as Follicular Unit Extraction The FUE technique offers permanent solutions to hair loss. Our experienced doctors will make sure the reasons behind your hair loss and how to treat it in the best way. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
