Losing hair is an inevitable part of the hair cycle. When the hair enters its concluding stage, it falls out, and a new hair is grown from the same hair follicle. However, when the process of formation of new hair fails, hair loss becomes noticeable. Hair loss can be a result of stress, skin allergy, hormonal imbalance, disturbed blood pressure levels, and diabetes.
Men are twice more likely to possess diabetes than women. Though diabetes and hair loss are related, they are rarely talked about. Many different factors make a diabetic person suffer from hair thinning, some of which are as follows -
1. Increased Blood Sugar levels - Recurring increase in the blood sugar levels of a diabetic person is dangerous both for his hair and overall health. High blood sugar levels lead to the degradation of blood vessels, which can restrict blood flow and negatively impact the growth of hair follicles.
2. Thyroid - Hypothyroidism, which is more common in people with type-1 diabetes, has a direct and significant impact on hair loss. Prolonged improper functioning of thyroid glands leads to the state of telogen effluvium, a scalp disorder that causes the hair roots to stop growing hair frequently.
3. Stress - Diabetes can induce a lot of stress on a person, both on the body and mind. A state of chronic and persistent anxiety can trigger hormonal fluctuations, which can affect the flow of oxygen and nutrients that promote hair growth.
4. Alopecia Areata - The condition that causes the immune system to attack healthy hair follicles mistakenly is called alopecia areata. People diagnosed with type 1 diabetes are at a more considerable risk of developing alopecia areata and result in hair thinning on head, eyebrows, and eyelashes.
However, the good news is there are significant chances of diabetic people to reverse the effects of their blood sugar levels on their hair.
- Monitoring blood sugar levels regularly
- Taking medications without delay
- Opting a diet rich in whole foods and biotin
- Indulging in some form of physical activity
- Getting a thyroid test done after every six months and consulting a doctor
are certain lifestyle changes that can reduce hair loss.
Apart from it, medications like vitamin supplements and rogaine can also work for diabetic people with the problem of hair thinning. Along with these changes and medicines, certain precautions can also work in favor of your hair. If you have long hair, avoid putting it in a tight pony or bun. Moreover, minimize the use of hair color and bleach on your hair.
Hair loss remains a frustrating struggle, and if you have diabetes, it is an additional responsibility to take care of both sugar level and hair growth. Tracking blood sugar levels on a daily basis and following a strict and restricted lifestyle always can be both tiring and challenging. But if it is your hair that is at stake, then you must buckle up and make some much needed changes in your lifestyle.
