Is Diabetes Linked to Hair Loss?

Diabetes can impact every organ in your body. Learn how the condition can cause hair loss and how to treat the hair loss.

Diabetes’s Effects on the Body

If you have diabetes, your body either does not generate insulin or does not use it well. The hormone insulin transports sugar from your bloodstream into your cells, where it can be stored or used as energy.

Sugar can build up in your blood when you don’t have enough insulin or when it’s not used properly.

Excess sugar can harm organs all over your body, including your eyes and kidneys. It can also cause nerve and blood vessel damage.

Your blood vessels transport oxygen throughout your body, nourishing your organs and tissues. Blood vessels that are damaged may not be able to give enough oxygen to your hair follicles. This shortage of oxygen has the potential to disrupt your natural hair growth cycle.

The impact of diabetes on the hair growth cycle

Hair goes through four stages on average.

The active growing period lasts at least two years. Hairs grow 1 centimeter (cm) per month at this time. Hair enters a resting phase after a transition period. This can persist up to 4 months. Some resting hair falls out after this stage.

Diabetes can halt this process, decreasing hair growth. Diabetes can also make you lose more hair than usual.

That hair loss is not limited to your head. Hair loss can occur on your arms, legs, and other body areas. When the hair regrows, it grows at a slower rate than usual.

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.

Other reasons for hair loss include:

the stress of having a chronic condition such as diabetes thyroid disease, which affects some diabetics and can contribute to hair loss side effects of your diabetes drugs

Diabetes management is critical.

Consult your doctor if you are experiencing any troubling diabetic symptoms, such as hair loss. Hair loss on your arms and legs is particularly important to note since it could be a sign of inadequate blood flow.

If your hair loss is caused by diabetes, you may need to change your medications, diet, or lifestyle.

Hair loss should be reduced after blood sugar management is better. You’ll lose fewer hairs and regrow more of those that have fallen out.

Hair Loss Management Suggestions

Here are a few alternative options for dealing with diabetes-related hair loss:

Biotin

Biotin levels in diabetics may be lower than required.

Biotin, commonly known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, can be found naturally in foods such as:

almonds and peanuts

potatoes dulces

oats, onions, and eggs

There is some evidence that biotin supplementation may reduce hair loss in those who are deficient in biotin.

However, before using biotin supplements, see your doctor.

Adults should consume 25 to 35 micrograms (mcg) of Trusted Source per day, however supplements often contain significantly larger quantities. Consult your doctor to determine how much is safe for you.

Exercise

Exercise on a daily basis can help regulate blood sugar levels. It’s an excellent technique to lower blood sugar levels and increase oxygen transport to your body’s extremities, including your scalp.

Try the following exercises:

walking, swimming, and weightlifting

Yoga calisthenics

Check your blood sugar levels before and after exercise to ensure they are not too high or too low. It is also critical to avoid dehydration.

Before beginning a new exercise plan, consult with your doctor or a personal trainer. They can advise you on how to exercise safely while diabetic.

Takeaway

Some people find it difficult to lose their hair, but you do have options.

Speak with your doctor to find out more about how you may control your hair loss. They may advise you to modify your diabetes treatment plan, use hair loss drugs or supplements, or manage any linked problems, such as thyroid disease and stress.