Diabetes is one of the endocrinal disorders; it involves persistent spells of high level of blood sugars. It may show up when your system does not make needful amounts of enzymes like insulin. Diabetes may also occur when your body turns unresponsive to insulin. Typical signs are loss of body weight, a constant feeling of thirstiness, blurring of vision as well as passing more urine. But does diabetes cause hair loss? It pays to know more about this.
Diabetes has fast turned into a common condition. It may affect people of any age-group. Of its various forms, type 2 version is rampant. It is marked by spike in blood sugars. You may get it when pancreas makes less insulin. In some cases, insulin insensitivity may also lead to this endocrinal disorder.
Your body gets sugars from diet; especially, off carbohydrates. Your blood supplies sugars (read: glucose) to all organs of your system. With glucose, your body gets needful amount of power to run. When insulin is in short supply, your blood soon sees an accumulation of
sugars. If left unattended, this may damage your nerves, eyesight as well as cardiac system.
Does diabetes cause hair loss?
Loss of hair is a natural aspect of life cycle of your hair. Once hair is at the last stage of its life cycle, it is likely to fall off. New hair however grows-up off the same follicle; this serves as a replacement. But in some cases, hair that fell off remains without a replacement. When large pockets of your scalp go without regrowth of new hair, loss of hair turns conspicuous.
Diabetes indeed causes thinning of hair; this eventually leads to loss of hair. People with high levels of sugar in blood may witness damages inflicted upon their arteries. Such damages may minimise flow of blood. This further leads to access to a lesser amount of oxygen as well as other nutrients hair needs.
The above processes result in stalling the normal life cycle of hair. Not stopping with the above, conditions such as diabetes may apply sizable stress on your emotional and physical wellbeing. This can have an adverse impact on your endocrine system. This serves as another reason for loss of hair. In most cases, loss of hair – due to diabetes mellitus – is not reversible. But some losses can be reversed. But, when treatment is discontinued, you may start losing hair.
It is a safe thing to have a good level of control on your blood sugar level. You are advised to monitor sugar level on a periodic and regular basis. It is highly recommended to take the drugs your treating physician prescribes.
It is equally helpful to eat a healthy and balanced diet. Moreover, pursue a daily workout schedule; exercising regularly can help keep diabetes under better control. You can lessen your stress levels by spending more time with your family and friends; you may also practice mindfulness. People living with diabetes are advised to use techniques that relax your mind viz., deeper respiration, yoga, Tai chi, etc.
What vitamin deficiency causes hair loss Vitamin deficiencies that can lead to hair loss include lack of vitamin D, vitamin B7 (biotin), vitamin B12, and iron. Vitamin D stimulates hair follicles, so a deficiency may contribute to hair thinning. Biotin and B12 are essential for healthy hair growth, and their deficiencies can cause hair loss. Iron is crucial for producing hair cell protein, without enough iron, hair growth can be affected. Addressing these deficiencies with proper diet or supplements might help reduce hair loss.
Medications are available to treat loss of scalp hair. Drugs such as minoxidil are widely used. Minoxidil is also available as an over the counter – OTC – medication. You can use it on spots where there is a loss of hair. It can be administered onto both women as well as men. Those using it through the self-medication route are advised to read through all directions printed on pack, or talk to your pharmacist prior to using it.
Meds like finasteride are available as prescription-drugs; it is mainly used for treating males. Its popular form is a pill; treatment involves using it on a daily basis. Women are advised not to use finasteride; such use is not approved by FDA. If you aim to know about does diabetes cause hair loss, consult with a qualified healthcare professional.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the University of Florida. Experience: 5 years as a pharmacist and medical writer, creating content on medication management and pharmaceutical news for healthcare blogs and patient education sites.
