Discover the connection between diabetes and hair loss, including how blood sugar levels, medications, and hormonal changes may affect hair health and what you can do to reduce hair shedding.
Hair loss is one of the common side effects experienced by people with diabetes. While this condition is often perceived as dangerous and irreversible, modern research suggests that maintaining a healthy and balanced diet can significantly improve these symptoms.
Let’s explore the relationship between diabetes and hair loss in more detail.
What’s the Connection Between Diabetes and Hair Loss?
Hair loss can occur when a person’s immune system is weakened, affecting hair follicles and leading to hair loss. Diabetes can impact hair health because it deprives hair follicles of necessary nutrients due to circulation problems.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience hair loss compared to men with diabetes, primarily due to hormonal changes that impair nutrient absorption.
People with diabetes experience various health issues, so maintaining a healthy lifestyle is vital. It involves making dietary changes tailored to their specific needs, such as choosing appropriate foods, using suitable medications, exercising regularly, monitoring blood sugar levels, and seeking advice from specialists when needed.
After understanding the relationship between diabetes and hair loss and the major factors affecting hair, it’s crucial to highlight the importance of hair for those affected, as it impacts their self-esteem and overall quality of life.
What’s the Relationship Between Diabetes Medication and Hair Loss?
Natural Hair Growth Cycle
New research indicates that in most cases, new hair will grow in the spot where hair was lost after a period of between two to six months.
Modern information indicates that in many situations, new hair can grow to replace what was lost. However, it is very important to note that diabetes medications can affect hair loss, and people can react differently to the treatment.
Centers that specialize in treating hair loss for people with diabetes offer specialized treatments, so it’s essential to consult with your doctor about hair restoration treatments.
Ultimately, one of the most helpful steps to take in dealing with diabetes and hair loss is to talk to your doctor about the condition and any potential alternative medications that could prevent hair loss.
Alternative Options for Diabetes Medication and Hair Loss
It is important to ask your doctor about the side effects of possible medications after diagnosing diabetes. At that point, you can mention that you would prefer a medicine that is less likely to cause hair loss. Your doctor might also tell you that hair loss is minimal or varies from person to person.
In many cases, the medication is responsible for hair loss, and perhaps diabetes itself is not to blame. Therefore, it is important to monitor hair loss from the beginning.
Remember that hair that falls out can often be treated if you catch the problem early enough. It is okay to be concerned, and it is okay to work with diabetes and hair loss proactively.
How to Reduce Hair Loss Resulting from Diabetes?
Here are some tips related to diabetes and hair loss that can help reduce the amount and severity of hair loss:
- Make sure to consume enough biotin, which is a very important component of healthy hair. Biotin can be found in different foods, such as almonds, basil, chard, cauliflower, soybeans, sunflower seeds, and walnuts.
- Avoid using hair dryers as they can turn hair brittle and prone to breakage.
- Avoid using hairbrushes with rough bristles that can lead to hair breakage when brushing.
- Avoid washing hair daily, as it removes natural oils found in the hair.
- Massage the scalp gently for 15 minutes daily to stimulate blood flow to the scalp, as recommended by some specialists.
- Tilt the head forward for 5 minutes daily, as this can also help stimulate blood flow to the scalp.
