Can Hair Loss be a symptom of Diabetes?
When hair loss happens, it can make someone feel less confident and distressed. Though genetics, stress or getting old are generally linked to hair loss, this condition can also be caused by diabetes itself. There are instances when hair loss from both types of diabetes is among the first signs noticed. Knowing how diabetes influences hair loss gives individuals the chance to handle these issues better.
Are you wondering how long it will take to reverse your Diabetes?
In this video, we explore the key factors that influence your journey towards better blood sugar control and, for many, even reversal. Every individual is different, but with the right support, tailored nutrition, and lifestyle changes, significant improvements can often be seen within weeks.
At Planet Wellness, we’ve helped many clients naturally improve their health and take control of their Diabetes — some even reducing or coming off their medications under medical supervision.
The Link Between Diabetes and Hair Loss
The body’s ability to process glucose is impacted by the chronic condition of diabetes. If a person’s blood sugar remains high all the time, it can have negative effects on different systems in the body, for example the circulatory, nervous and endocrine systems. Such disruptions may change how the hair grows.
These are the main ways diabetes can cause people to experience hair loss:
Poor Circulation
Over the course of time, high blood glucose can result in microangiopathy which is damage to the small blood vessels. Less blood to the scalp and hair follicles may cause a reduction in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the hair. This weakens the hair and in time, it may start falling out or grow more slowly.
Hormonal Imbalances
To regulate blood sugar, insulin which comes from the pancreas, is very important. In Type 2 diabetes, problems with insulin can mess up other hormones too. Modifications in androgens (male hormones found in all genders) can lead to a kind of hair thinning that looks similar to androgenetic alopecia. Diabetes can cause women’s skin to grow more hair on the face and their scalp to thin, whereas men might notice their hair falling out in a typical male pattern.
Telogen Effluvium
Dealing with diabetes puts stress on the body and sometimes that stress leads to telogen effluvium. In this case, follicles go into the resting phase in huge numbers which results in temporary hair loss. Within a few months, you will notice many of these hairs coming out at once which results in your hair appearing thin.
Autoimmune Conditions
Individuals with Type 1 diabetes are likely to also have other autoimmune disorders such as alopecia areata which brings about patchy hair loss. With this condition, the immune system attacks hair follicles by accident.
Medication Side Effects
A few drugs used in diabetes treatment, including metformin and insulin sensitizers, may cause a loss or noticeable thinning of hair. Nevertheless, this occurs uncommonly and usually happens because someone uses the drug for a long time or takes too much.
Signs of Diabetes-Related Hair Loss
Managing diabetes or suspecting it means you should be alert to the signs of hair loss such as:
- Sudden and noticeable hair loss over the scalp
- Shedding that is noticeable while you brush or wash your hair
- In people with Type 1 diabetes, hair sometimes begins to thin and bald in patches
- Hair takes a long time to regrow
- Loss of hair on parts of the body, for example on the arms or legs
There is no guarantee that a person with diabetes will lose hair, as many other things like age, thyroid problems or nutrient shortages can also lead to hair loss.
How to Manage Hair Loss with Diabetes
If you think diabetes is causing your hair loss, using several strategies together can work to solve the problem.
Blood Sugar Management
Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is the main focus for managing hair loss caused by diabetes. When blood glucose levels are balanced, circulation gets better and inflammation goes down which benefits hair growth.
Nutrition for Hair Health
Having a nutritious diet helps your body and supports hair growth. Some essential vitamins and minerals are:
- Eggs, almonds and spinach are some of the foods rich in biotin (Vitamin B7).
- Red meat, lentils and iron-fortified cereals contain iron.
- Pumpkin seeds, chickpeas and seafood are good sources of zinc.
- Omega-3 fatty acids are available in fatty fish, flaxseeds and walnuts.
Nutrient absorption challenges are common in diabetes which means people with the condition may need to get their nutrients from a healthy diet or supplements after consulting their healthcare provider.
Reduce Stress
Prolonged stress may lead to more severe diabetes and thinning hair. Relaxation exercises may assist in maintaining good health.
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Yoga and tai chi
- Practicing deep breathing
- Getting enough sleep and rest
Consulting an Iridologist and Nutritionist
Should you have hair loss and suspect it’s linked to blood sugar, an iridologist and a nutritionist can give you a wider range of natural solutions. Iridologists study the shape and structure of the iris to identify issues that could affect the pancreas, liver or adrenal glands, since these organs are important for metabolism and hormones. With this information, a nutritionist can put together a diet that improves blood sugar levels, hormones and hair growth. This method can help unearth the main causes of health conditions and give people food-based ways to remain well and maintain healthy hair.
When to Seek Help
If your hair loss is out of the ordinary and if you also have symptoms of diabetes such as:
- Feeling very thirsty or frequently urinating
- Sudden weight loss that is not caused by diet or exercise
- Fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Wounds take a long time to heal
It is important to see a healthcare professional. If diabetes is spotted early and handled properly, it may stop hair loss and lower the chances of nerve, kidney and eye problems.
Watch and learn from our informative video, “Does Diabetes Cause Hair Loss?“.
Conclusion
Although hair loss may be a sign of diabetes, it is usually disregarded by many people. Thankfully, in most instances, the condition can be managed or improved when blood sugar is controlled and any related health issues are treated. When you have hair thinning as well as other diabetes symptoms, you should not ignore these signs. Go visit a wellness clinic such as ours for advice and take actions to keep your metabolism and hair in good shape.
Keep in mind that your hair can tell you something about your health. Taking notice of it could allow you to identify a major health issue early and obtain appropriate treatment.
This article is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional and personalized medical advice. Always seek diagnosis and treatment from a qualified healthcare provider, which is specific to your own case.
We offer both a Beginner’s Diabetes Introductory Course and an Advanced Course, These courses provide detailed explanations on managing or preventing Diabetes effectively. Investing in yourself and your body is crucial, as ultimately, everything else is materialistic. Feel free to explore our courses!
Discover the holistic approach to managing Diabetes in our FREE booklet ‘Best Ways To Treat Diabetes’. From this guide, you will learn the various treatments that can be done at home, foods to avoid and those you need to include in your diet, among other essential information. Download your FREE copy today and start the journey to take control of your life and prevent Diabetes.
Embark on a transformative journey towards better health when you purchase our book, “THE DIABETES SOLUTION: A 28 DAY ACTION PLAN FOR LOWERING BLOOD SUGAR NATURALLY”. A wealth of information derived from years of experience in helping people with Diabetes and other health issues can be found in our #1 bestselling book on Amazon. Drawing from a diverse clientele spanning continents and cultures, we have curated a comprehensive action plan rooted in natural remedies and time-tested practices. This book is an indispensable companion, whether you are Diabetic, Prediabetic or looking for preventive action. Give yourself the power to take control of your health and see remarkable results, from nutritious recipes to invaluable advice on living a healthy life. You will be guided by the “THE DIABETES SOLUTION” to a healthier and happier future!
To learn more about Diabetes, check out our other related blogs:
Does Diabetes Cause Hair Loss?
Diabetes – What It Is, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Types
