Diabetes is a chronic condition that can affect multiple parts of your body. Along with severe problems, it can also lead to skin problems and hair loss. Diabetes and hair loss is a pressing issue across the globe. Let us try to understand its causes and possible treatments.
Hair loss or hair thinning has been a common problem among diabetics. Hair loss due to diabetes is known as alopecia areata. It can cause you to lose your hair on other body parts such as legs, arms, etc. When it grows back, it grows at a slower rate than normal.
Understanding Diabetes and Hair Loss
As you all know, diabetes can affect your immune system. It can weaken the hair follicles and slow down your hair growth. It also leads to patches of hair loss on different parts of your body. It can have the following effects on your hair-
- Impaired hair growth
- A stop to the formation of new hair
- Hair growth is more than usual
A diabetic person can suffer from hair loss mainly because of the following reasons- stress, high sugar levels and Alopecia Areata. Alopecia Areta affects around 3% of the diabetic population around the globe. There has been ongoing research to figure out the possible causes and treatment for this condition.
Alopecia Areata – Treatment
For treating the damaged hair follicles, the immune cells of these hair follicles are targeted to strengthen them and bring them back to their normal state.
Temporary treatments include keeping a check on your stress levels as well as your sugar levels. In order to avoid stress, you can opt for ways such as practicing mindfulness exercises, yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, etc. You can also seek the support of your loved ones.
The easiest way to prevent this condition is to keep a check on your blood glucose levels and avoid the possible complications associated with blood sugar fluctuations. You should regularly monitor your sugar levels using a blood sugar monitor at regular intervals. You should make the required changes based on your sugar level.
Read More – Diabetes and Alopecia Areata
Along with keeping a check on your sugar levels, it is imperative that you eat a healthy diet and have a regular workout regime. You should eat a diet that is rich in fiber and has fewer carbohydrates. You should also avoid foods that contain excessive amounts of sugar. You can also switch to non-sugary beverages such as herbal teas, infused water, etc.
Short-term complications of diabetes include fatigue, excessive sweating, frequent urination, and sudden weight loss, etc. In the longer run, it can lead to complications like nerve damage, stroke, kidney damage, etc. If you have any doubts about what you should do to efficiently manage your sugar level, you should always consult your doctor or health coach.
