Nearly 10 percent of the American population currently live with diabetes, which can cause a range of health issues, including hair loss. If you are living with it and have noticed that your hair is thinning or falling out, here’s what you need to know.
What Does Diabetes Cause Hair Loss?
Hair’s natural life cycle includes hair loss. Once hair reaches its final stage, known as the telogen or “resting” phase, it falls out. While a number of variables are associated with hair loss, including stress, high blood sugar levels, and hormones, diabetes can have a significant impact on this natural cycle. This is based on the following:
Fluctuating blood sugar levels — When blood sugar levels are poorly managed, this can lead to damage in regards to otherwise healthy blood vessels, organs, and tissues. When blood flow becomes restricted, cells are negatively impacted and the normal growth cycle suffers.
Increased stress — Diabetes can cause a significant level of increased stress on the body. Prolonged stress can, in turn, cause hair loss.
Increased risk of alopecia areata — This condition impacts your immune system and as a result, healthy hair follicles are attacked. Those living with type 1 diabetes are more likely to develop this condition.
I Am Losing My Hair, Now What?
For some, diabetes-related hair loss is completely reversible. The best way to prevent hair loss is to take a proactive approach, ensuring that your blood glucose levels are healthy and stable.
Since this disease can interrupt the hair’s natural growth process, it is imperative that you take-action as soon as possible. Not only will this help you protect your hair health but also your long-term well-being.
Besides eating a balanced diet and exercising on a regular basis, you should also implement stress-reducing activities in your daily routine. If you have suffered from significant hair loss, there are many solutions for both men and women.
You can also speak with your physician regarding problematic symptoms, including the development of hair loss. For more information on hair loss in general, be sure to contact us at Custom Hair Tampa Bay. To find a location near you click here.
Photo Credit: Tumisu Via Pixabay
Resources
http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/statistics/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323810.php
https://www.healthline.com/health/does-diabetes-cause-hair-loss#firststeps