Diabetes comes with a bunch of disappointments, and hair loss is one of them. But how exactly does diabetes lead to hair loss? Know how, in this HealthHearty article…
India leads the world as the country with the highest number of diabetics. Considering this fact, WHO has predicted that by 2050, India may become known as the ‘diabetes capital’ of the world!
We are aware how diabetes affects an individual. It is on the list of most dreaded diseases. For most people, dealing with diabetes and its many physical effects slowly becomes routine. However, if the symptoms are going to affect an individual’s physical appearance, it is certainly an added cause of worry.
Did you know that hair fall or hair loss is one of the symptoms of diabetes? Well, losing a few strands of hair every day is normal. But it is when you start losing more than that, it can be termed as hair loss. For most people, hair fall starts progressing even before the diagnosis of diabetes. In most cases, if the hair fall is accompanied by other symptoms, like frequent urination, dry mouth, feeling thirsty more often, low energy levels, and sudden vision problems, then the underlying cause may be high blood sugar, and you might want to get a check up done.
Diabetes is also a side effect of an unhealthy lifestyle. So, considering factors like junk food, incomplete nutrition, and stress, hair fall is bound to happen. In the following section, we will look at some of the major reasons how diabetes can cause hair loss.
People who are diagnosed with diabetes are exposed to the risk of heart, eyes, blood vessels, and kidney complications. But hair fall is a lesser-talked-about issue, as it is not life-threatening, but equally worrisome like the other health risks diabetes invites, the interrelation of which, is mentioned here.
Imbalance in hormones affects the body in many ways, and hair fall is just one of the major symptoms. After the onset of diabetes, there are hormonal changes that take effect in the body. Medical experts believe that it is this hormonal change that also affects the health of the hair, leading to hair loss.
We all know that nutrition is very important for healthy hair. Good blood circulation to the scalp ensures that these nutrients reach there and the hair follicles too, ensuring strength and overall health. In most cases of diabetes, the body’s blood circulation gets affected. This leads to poor blood circulation, and more so, in the extremities of the body, one of which is the head. With insufficient nutrition, the hair follicles become weak and eventually die. This leads to excessive hair fall. Insufficient blood supply to the scalp may prevent the growth of new hair too.
As discussed above, poor blood circulation may lead to hair fall. Diabetics may also experience excess hair fall due to high blood sugar levels. Due to high levels of glucose in the blood, essential nutrients, and most importantly, enough oxygen, cannot reach the hair follicles. So, diabetes already leads to poor blood circulation, and to add to this, decreased amount of nutrients in the blood. The result? Excessive hair fall.
The treatment for diabetes involves the consumption of medications that may be the cause for hair loss. Some medications can trigger hair fall in diabetics. In such a case, consult your doctor for possible solutions.
Most diabetics have the risk of suffering from certain issues like thyroid. With the thyroid not functioning properly, extreme hair fall may be noticed. Other skin diseases and rashes may cause an unhealthy scalp. This in turn, may cause weak hair roots and result in hair fall.
While we have covered most of the physical causes of hair fall due to diabetes, there are mental factors too that contribute to hair fall, like stress, that is built when dealing with the diagnosis of diabetes and making it a part of your life. The acceptance, adaptation, and changes in lifestyle and diet, may be very stressful for many, at least in the initial days after the diagnosis. Many people cannot come to terms with the situation, leading to denial and depression.
Mental stress is also caused by the pressure to maintain a routine, which includes medications, insulin injections, exercise, diet, and more. This too leads to hair fall and poor hair health.
➥ It is very important to deal with diabetes in a positive way. Staying away from stress is perhaps the most effective solution to hair loss worries. Take professional help if needed.
➥ We understand that maintaining a routine for diabetes can be tough. But look at the positive side of this. You will end up eating healthier. Exercise is going to benefit you in all possible ways. Club all this together, and it makes a very good remedy for hair fall.
➥ If you regularly follow a good diet and exercise, your blood sugar is going to be in check, and you will also benefit your body with good blood circulation and proper nutrition.
➥ This will help you a long way in tackling hair loss in diabetes. You can also take the help of a dermatologist for an external solution. Many may recommend hair fall treatments, shampoos, and other tools specially designed for hair loss.
With proper treatment and effort from your end, you could possibly combat any hair fall issues, even with diabetes.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be replaced for the advice of a medical professional.