Diabetes is a long-term illness that has an impact on the lives of millions of people. This is a condition where the body fails to produce enough insulin hormone or effectively utilize the insulin produced to regulate the blood glucose in the blood. Despite the many linkages of the disease to such conditions as heart disease, neuropathy, and kidney damage, one may not know that their hair health can also be at risk. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the silent but critical problem that victims of diabetes suffer.
Under normal blood sugar levels, the body functions greatly but once an imbalance occurs, it creates different body-related issues. Let’s understand how diabetes hampers hair growth and how to address this issue.
How Diabetes Causes Hairfall?
Diabetes causes hair fall as a side effect in the body and it undergoes some mechanisms in the process. Here is how the disease affects your hair growth:
1. Poor Blood Circulation due to High Sugar:
An imbalance in blood circulation is one of the leading causes of hair fall caused by diabetes. This leads to a decrease in, and ultimately complete cessation of hair growth since blood supply is critical to the availability of nutrients within hair follicles. During the later stages of uncontrolled diabetes, the high sugar levels can damage blood vessels which can lead to malnourished hair follicles due to lack of oxygen and nutrients. In such a situation, hair loss is expected to occur. To know about the sugar levels, a person can undertake a fasting blood sugar levels test and manage the associated malfunctions.
2. Hormonal Imbalances:
It is a disease characterised by high blood sugar and influences the hormonal balance in the body, including androgens which are vital in hair growth. Androgens can also have negative effects in people who have excessive amounts of the hormone. It can lead to problems, such as androgenic alopecia, better known as male and female pattern baldness. This hormonal imbalance and is likely to cause to hair thinning and may lead to hair fall. Such diabetes hair fall needs extensive treatment.
3. Stress:
Chronic stress, which is common to diabetics, increases hair loss. Stressing about how to manage the condition that can further exacerbate hair loss. It is a well-understood fact that stress causes hair follicles to shut down and go to a resting phase called the telogen phase, thus causing more hair loss. Hair fall due to diabetes that occurs from the head and neck area is called telogen effluvium and it is usually a temporary condition that may cause discomfort.
4. Skin Conditions or Infections:
Diabetes has an impact on the overall immune system. Diabetic patients are prone to skin infections and other similar ailments. Fungal infections, skin diseases, bacterial infections, and many other disorders can all negatively influence hair follicles and, in turn, hair loss. Moreover, diseases, such as psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis are quite prevalent in diabetic patients, which could also result in increased hair loss.
How to Manage Diabetes-Induced Hair Fall?
Often, people are confused about can diabetes cause hair fall, but by the time they realise, the stage of diabetes-induced hair fall increases. Let’s have a look at its management:
1. Maintain Blood Sugar Levels:
The most important aspect in this case is controlling blood sugar levels to prevent hair falling due to diabetes. Both types of diabetes impact blood vessels, infections, and hormonal imbalances, thus proper regulation of the blood glucose prevents complications in the blood vessels. To keep the blood sugar in check, it is required to monitor the blood glucose levels regularly; stick to the administered medications, and maintain a proper diet.
2. Adopt a Healthy Diet:
Special attention for the solution to diabetes and hair fall should be paid to vitamins and minerals because to maintain healthy hair and overall body health, a balanced diet is essential. Ensure your diet includes:
- Protein: Hair is made of a protein. Always ensure you consume enough proteins from foods, such as meat, eggs, beans, etc. Rich sources like poultry, fish, eggs, beans, nuts, and lean meats should also be placed.
- Vitamins: Vitamin A comes with hair growth-promoting substances and Vitamin C strengthens hair shafts. Vitamin D helps grow blood vessels in the skin that supply hair follicles with blood while Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant. Include vegetables and fruits, such as carrots, citrus fruits, greens, and avocados for healthy hair .
- Minerals: Zinc and iron are necessities for hair care and its maintenance. Consume spinach, lentils, pumpkin seeds, and red meat which are rich in minerals.
3. Manage Stress:
The findings confirm that proper stress management can greatly help in reducing hair fall. Practice meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, and a daily exercise routine can assist in the reduction of stress. Opting for some of the entertainment activities followed by pursuing your hobbies can help get a mental break, and thus decrease tension overall.
4. Scalp Care:
The scalp should also be washed frequently and thoroughly to minimise the chances of bacterial invasion which leads to scaly scalp and hair loss. The skin on the scalp is also sensitive; thus, wash the scalp with a mild soap regularly. Minimising the use of chemicals and blow-drying/straightening/curled hair can negatively affect hair condition. In the case of a scalp condition, one should consult a physician immediately. Diabetes causes hair fall and to deal with it, this remains one of the major precautions.
5. Hydration:
Water is essential for good hair health. Sufficient fluid and water intake help maintain scalp health, nourish hair follicles, and maintain general hair health. So, always keep yourself hydrated, especially in summer.
6. Medications and Supplements:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if any topical treatments, vitamins, or medications are beneficial for hair. P-Pantothenate and Biotin (vitamin B7) and other hair growth supplements may be effective in promoting hair growth, but consultation with a specialist is recommended before taking any supplement. Your doctor can also assess your current diabetes medications and determine which of them is making you lose hair and suggest other drugs if the current one is a cause of hair thinning.
7. Regular Exercise:
A well-paced bloodstream supplies hair roots with the necessary nutrients, which can be promoted through active physical exercise as well as identifying the ideal diet. It assists in body weight and stress management. It has been recommended that at least 30 minutes of moderate activity is advisable throughout 5 to 7 days a week.
Conclusion
One of the most apparent consequences of diabetes is hair loss, even if it is one of the most worrisome symptoms, knowing the reason behind it and taking necessary precautions is the solution to the problem. Regular diabetes control, changing wrong eating habits, stress regulation, and hygienic scalp management are some of the factors that form the best strategy for combating hair loss.
However, seeking advice and help from the doctors as well as following local recommendations may improve the outcome. This way, the diabetics can tackle with the factors that cause hair fall and maintain good hair health.
