Hair loss is often associated with diabetes. It is thought that certain problems caused by diabetes may result in hair loss, ranging from alopecia areata (an immune system disorder), to blood circulation problems, or high/poorly controlled blood sugar levels.
Hair loss is a natural part of the hair’s life cycle. As hair reaches the last stage of the cycle, it will fall out. Normally a new hair will grow from the same hair follicle to replace the hair that has fallen out. Under certain conditions, a new hair may fail to form. If there are large areas of the scalp in which new hairs do not regrow, this hair loss can become more noticeable.
Other factors that can affect hair growth, include stress, hormone imbalance, poor nutrition, poor scalp health (eg. Dandruff, Psoriasis, Eczema), and underlying health conditions, such as diabetes.
Let’s discuss how diabetes can affect the hair and explain the treatment options for hair loss. Diabetes can have other effects on a person’s body.
Can diabetes cause hair loss?
Diabetes can affect hair growth as it can cause hair thinning and hair loss in some cases effecting the growth cycle of the hair:
- impairing hair growth
- causing more hair to grow than normal
- stopping new hair from forming
Several different factors may cause a person with diabetes to lose hair, these include.
High blood sugar levels
Uncontrolled or untreated diabetes can result in a person’s blood sugar levels becoming too high. High blood sugar levels over a period of time can lead to damage in various crucial tissues, organs, and blood vessels.
Damage to blood vessels can restrict blood flow, resulting in certain cells getting less oxygen and nutrients than they need. These deficiencies can have a negative impact on the normal growth cycle of hair follicles, which in turn leads to hair loss.
Hormones and stress
Diabetes can put a great deal of stress, both physical and emotional, on a person’s body. Persistent stress can cause hormone fluctuations that can affect hair growth.
Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is a condition in which the immune system begins to attack healthy hair follicles by mistake. People with Type 1 diabetes are more likely than people without this condition to develop alopecia areata.
Alopecia areata causes patchy hair loss on the head, arms, and other areas of the body where hair usually grows.
Is hair loss from diabetes reversible?
In some cases, hair loss is reversible. There are many treatments available. However, even when hair loss treatments are effective, most are only temporary solutions that only work when used and the end result is thinner hair than normal. Once the treatments are ceased, the hair loss or fall returns. When these treatments are used in combination with a hair loss program like HSB Labs Grow Boost Enhance, hair regrowth appears faster and longer lasting by encouraging a healthy nourished scalp resulting in thicker, fuller healthier hair. Targeting the root of hair loss.
Some people can slow or minimise hair loss or hair thinning, that results from diabetes. The most effective way to do this is by maintaining good control of blood sugar levels and managing stress. Scalp stress is a major factor of hair loss and HSB Labs haircare contains natural ingredients to help reduce and remove the stress from the scalp which helps encourage hair growth.
A person can control their blood sugar by:
- regular blood sugar levels monitoring or testing
- taking all medications as directed by your doctor or pharmacist
- a balanced and healthful diet
- regular exercise
Treatments for hair loss
Treatment options for hair loss include topical medications, Biotin, and lifestyle changes. However, results from these treatments are rarely long-term.
Topical medication
Minoxidil (Rogaine) is a popular over-the-counter treatment for hair loss. This topical medication is applied directly to the areas of the body where hair loss has occurred.
Both males and females can use minoxidil. It is essential to follow the instructions on the label to get the maximum benefit from this product and to avoid unwanted side effects.
The use of a hair growth shampoo and conditioner like HSB Labs Grow Hair Growth Shampoo and HSB Labs Boost conditioner in combination with Minoxidil will encourage hair growth that is longer lasting and lead to healthier, thicker, stronger hair giving you greater confidence.
Other medications
Finasteride (Propecia) is a prescription only medication for treating hair loss. It is available as an oral tablet that a person needs to take daily.
This can also be used in combination with HSB Labs Grow Boost Enhance bundle to encourage the growth of thicker, stronger, healthier hair.
Biotin
Biotin or vitamin B7 occurs naturally in many foods. Some people with diabetes have been found to be deficient in biotin. According to research, there is evidence to suggest that biotin may help slow hair loss in some people.
Foods that are rich in biotin include:
- eggs
- nuts,
- salmon
- avocado
- sweet potato
- cauliflower
- yeast
Biotin can also be purchased as a vitamin supplement. However, people have very different biotin needs, and too much can be harmful, so it is crucial to always speak to your pharmacist or doctor before taking these supplements.
HSB Labs Grow Hair Growth Shampoo has been formulated with Biotin to work from the scalp and hair follicles to assist with thinning hair and to combat hair loss and breakage.
Lifestyle factors
Exercise may not prevent or reverse hair loss, but it can improve the body’s blood flow or circulation. Regular exercise can help increase blood flow to different parts of the body, including the hair follicles. It can also essential in assisting in the control of blood sugar levels.
A balanced healthy diet combined with regular exercise is an important component of diabetes management. A diet that contains vegetables, fruits, fibre and lean proteins will assist in controlling blood sugar levels.
When to see a doctor
People with diabetes should see a doctor regularly. Individuals with particular concerns about hair loss should ask the pharmacist or doctor for recommendations on how to reduce or stop hair loss.
A person should also seek medical attention if they experience any adverse reactions to their hair loss treatment. A doctor may be able to recommend an alternative treatment method.
Other effects of diabetes on the body
Diabetes can impact the body in many ways, especially when not controlled. Some common issues include:
- increased risk of sleep apnoea
- increased risk of stroke
- higher risk of heart disease
- nerve damage or neuropathy
- dry, cracked skin on the extremities
- foot problems
- excessive urination
- lack of energy and fatigue
- weaker immune system
- increased risk of hypertension or high blood pressure
- eye problems like Glaucoma
Takeaway Message
Diabetes is a very common chronic condition that can have a wide range of effects on a person’s body and overall health that is commonly missed. In some people, diabetes can cause hair thinning or hair loss.
The use of medications and lifestyle interventions to control blood sugar levels may help reverse or minimise the effects of hair loss. Some medications are also available for the treatment of hair loss, although their effects may be short-lived once ceased.
So, don’t wait. The sooner you address the symptoms of hair loss with HSB Labs scalp and haircare products, the more likely you are to prevent irreversible results and see hair growth return faster.
HSB labs has designed and developed a treatment plan that can be used with other hair loss treatments (like Minoxidil) to help grow thicker, fuller, healthier hair using a blend of natural ingredients, botanical extracts, vitamins and minerals and hair follicle boosters (hair messengers) based off scientific evidence. Forming a dedicated hair growth and beauty strategy. Using our HSB Labs products on a daily or as a part of your regular hair routine will help revitalise, strengthen, volumise, boost and protect your hair during your hair growth journey.
HSB Labs scalp and haircare products provides a holistic targeted approach to hair growth at every phase of the hair growth cycle providing you with thicker, fuller, healthier, stronger hair.