How Diabetes Can Be a Reason For Your Hair Loss

What happens when a person suffers from diabetes? 

The body stops producing insulin or refuses to use it effectively, or sometimes both. You may ask what insulin is. Insulin is a hormone whose responsibility is to transport the sugar in the body received from food from the bloodstream to the cells for storage or to use as energy. When insulin is absent in the body or its inefficiency, glucose tends to build up in the bloodstream. Excess amounts of glucose can damage many different organs of the body which includes the eyes, kidney, and nerves. It also damages the blood vessels. These damaged blood vessels fail to deliver oxygen to different organs and tissues. Due to a lack of oxygen supply to the hair follicles, the hair growth cycle is hampered leading to hair loss.

As we have already established a connection between diabetes and hair loss, let’s dive deeper and learn how diabetes affects hair and some treatment options available on online chemists.  

Hair growth cycle and diabetes - 

There are three phases involved in the hair growth cycle. The first one being the active growing phase. This phase lasts for a year or more and the hair grows 1 to 2 cm per month. This brings us to the next phase which is the resting phase. This lasts for around 100 days. Post this phase, some of the resting hair falls out. 

Diabetes tends to affect and interrupt the growth phase process. It tends to slow down the entire process. Moreover, being diabetic already causes the person to lose more hair than usual. However, hair loss is not only from the head but other parts of the body as well. Even when the hair starts growing, it does at a lot slower rate than normal. The only way out from here is to keep your blood sugar levels under control. This can be done by carrying out diabetes testing at regular intervals. Buy your supplies from pharmacies in the online UK to enjoy a better quality of life. 

Diabetes and Alopecia areata - 

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system starts to attack the hair follicles by mistake. People with type 1 diabetes are more prone to this condition as compared to others. Alopecia Areata causes hair loss in patches anywhere there is hair in the body. The size of the patch may vary anywhere from coin-sized to bigger than that. If not treated, the baldness can spread around. 

Diabetes, hormones, and stress - 

Firstly, diabetes itself can be a culprit for hair loss. If not directly, being diabetic can indirectly lead to loss of hair. Let’s see how. The stress a chronic illness causes alongside the medications used to control diabetes can worsen the hair fall situation. Along with managing stress, it is key to keep taking supplements for hair loss solutions. At pharmacies online, you will find various medications available to treat your problems.

Another frequently asked question is ‘Is hair loss from diabetes reversible’?

The condition is reversible in some cases. The treatment options are available and provided by the online pharmacist. Bear in mind some treatments may be different for men and women. You need to know that the treatment solutions will only help you if used regularly and the underlying disease condition is maintained. 

One of the most promising ways to or stop or reduce hair falls is by maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and managing stress. If both these conditions are managed, it will show a positive change in hair growth. Once you are satisfied with the hair progress, you can start consuming supplements available with the UK pharmacy for increasing hair quality. 

We suggest doing the followings things to control diabetes  -

• Monitoring blood glucose levels in regular intervals

• Taking medications as per the doctor’s advice

• Consuming a balanced diet

• Exercising every day. 

We suggest doing the following to reduce stress - 

• Exercising regularly

• Staying in touch with friends and family

• Maintaining work and personal life balance

• Practicing mindfulness, meditation, and yoga. 

The most effective way to deal with hair loss is to first treat the underlying condition which in this case is diabetes. We saw earlier how diabetes can be controlled to prevent or reduce hair loss. Further, we shall look at other factors that can assist in the treatment of hair loss.

Topical medications - 

Regaine is one of the popular over-the-counter medications for treating hair loss. It is a great option for both males and females. We advise you to read how to use instructions carefully before use to avoid any potential side effects. Topical Rogaine is available in different forms such as sprays and foams on life pharmacy.

Other available medications to treat hair loss - 

There are a few effective Hair folic tablets and oil available with pharmacy online UK that can help in treating hair loss and boost growth. A prescription medication called Propecia is also available for treating hair loss in adult males only. It comes in a form of an oral tablet that needs to be consumed daily. The Food and Drug Administration of the United States had not approved Propecia for females. 

For Alopecia Areata the only available treatment option is a steroid. This can be in the form of injections or oral steroids. Oral immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine may also be used for its treatment. The downside is some of these medications carry a high risk of side effects. 

Biotin supplements - 

This occurs in many foods. It is one of the B-complex vitamins which help the body to convert food into energy. People with diabetes may show lower levels of biotin in their bodies. Some evidence suggests that biotin can slow down hair loss. 

The following foods are a rich source of biotin:

• Eggs

• Liver and Kidney

• Nuts

• Fatty fishes like Salmon

• Avocado

• Cauliflower

One can also rely on biotin supplements. It is advisable to do this after consulting your GP to prevent any side effects. 

Last but not least is a lifestyle change. Exercising can change the game for you. Sparing 20-35 minutes 5 times a week can do you wonders. It may not reverse hair loss but will improve circulation throughout the body. This will also enhance blood flow to the hair follicles which can increase the possibility of the hair growing back. The cherry on the cake is that the blood glucose levels will also be controlled. The next thing to improve lifestyle is eating a balanced diet and cutting down on junk. High-fiber foods, lean protein, and fruits and vegetables will help in maintaining diabetes and improve the quality of life. 

Final takeaway –

If sudden hair fall or hair loss is concerning you, visit your doctor to understand the underlying cause. Some home remedies may be helpful to a certain extent, but we advise you to visit life pharmacy’s online chemist to get your hands on the required medications. If you are a diabetic, get the testing kit now to live a stress-free life.