Chronic diabetes could trigger hair loss

Diabetes and its associated comorbidities can affect nearly every organ in your body. According to experts, diabetes could also play a part in causing hair loss by weakening the hair follicles. Diabetes is attributed to the major factors of hair loss. These include high blood sugar, damage to nerves, and hormonal imbalances.

According to Dr Shireen Futado of Aster CMI Hospital, the hair growth cycle has four phases: anagen, catagen, telogen, and exogen.

The telogen phase is prolonged significantly in diabetes patients, resulting in static hair growth. She adds that it can also fall out excessively.

Alopecia areata is one of the most common scalp conditions and hair loss. It shares a close relationship with both types of diabetes.

“People with type one diabetes are at high risk for developing alopecia area,”   A study found that people with alopecia are more susceptible to insulin resistance.

“Alopecia isata” is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks healthy hair follicles, resulting in sudden hair loss and an oval bald spot on the scalp.

The International Journal of Women’s Dermatology published a large cohort Study that showed type 2 diabetes to be associated with severe central scalp hair thinning in African American women.

Other conditions that are associated with diabetes can also lead to hair loss.

1. Poor blood circulation

According to experts, good blood circulation is necessary for hair growth. Uncontrolled diabetes may lead to poor circulation in the body. He says that high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels within the body, which can then affect the blood supply to hair follicles. The blood vessels transport oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, nourishing your organs, tissues, and cells. He adds that if the blood vessels become damaged, nutrients needed for hair growth are also affected. This further affects the hair cycle.

2. Hormonal imbalances

Diabetes can cause hormonal imbalances, according to experts. Abnormal thyroid hormone levels can cause hair loss.

People with diabetes have a greater risk of thyroid problems, which can cause hair loss. He adds that the thyroid gland can produce hormones that regulate metabolism and affect hair growth.

 High blood sugar levels can cause male hormones (androgens), which can lead to hair loss for both men and women. He adds that excessive androgens may cause hair follicle shrinkage, which can lead to hair loss and thinning.

Hormonal imbalances can cause hair to be weak and affect hair growth. She adds that hair loss due to hypothyroidism has a greater impact than hair loss due to diabetes.

3. Stress

Stress can lead to hair loss among people with diabetes. According to Dr Mehr, stress hormones like cortisol can affect hair growth, causing hair loss and thinning.

Diabetes does not cause hair fall directly, but the stress caused by diabetes can lead to hair loss and alopecia areata.

4. Nutrient deficiencies

 people with diabetes are more likely to restrict their diet, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies. They tend to be at a greater risk of having low hemoglobin in their body, which can lead to hair loss.

Hair loss is caused by low hemoglobin levels, which are associated with insufficient oxygen supply and nutrients.

 People with diabetes are more likely to have nutrient deficiencies. This is especially true for vitamin B12 and D. A study found that children with diabetes had a smaller hair shaft diameter than children of the same age who were not diabetic. Female diabetics can have continued nutritional issues.

Is diabetes-induced hair loss reversible or permanent?

She adds that a multivitamin and omega-3 fatty acids can help provide the nutrition needed for hair growth.

 Adopting a lifestyle change such as exercising, eating a healthy diet, and reducing stress.

Takeaway

Hair loss and hair follicle weakness can be caused by chronic diabetes. Poor blood circulation, hormonal imbalances, and stress can all be caused by diabetes. Experts say that managing diabetes and maintaining healthy levels of blood glucose could reduce hair loss caused by diabetes.