Among the symptoms of diabetes is hair loss. Hair loss can be permanent or temporary. Some treatments include medication or surgery to remedy the ailment. Other measures, such as yoga or meditation, can help calm and relax the mind and body. In some cases, hair loss can be reversible, and there are many treatment options available for both men and women.
Studies that have followed men and women over time have found that one in three men and a third of women will experience some degree of hair loss. By age 50, more than half of men will have significant thinning hair. Women, on the other hand, can experience significant hair loss without any apparent cause.
Diabetes can affect blood vessels, which can restrict blood flow to the hair follicles. As a result, hair follicles cannot get enough oxygen and grow properly. In addition, the disease can affect hair growth by altering hormone levels. In addition, patients with type 1 diabetes are more susceptible to developing hypothyroidism, which is another risk factor for hair loss.
Diabetes may also result in damage to the eyes and kidneys. These organs are responsible for clearing waste from the body. Uncontrolled blood glucose levels can damage nerves, leading to amputations. Medications, diet, and lifestyle changes may be necessary to control the disease. Once blood glucose levels are better controlled, hair loss should be reduced, and in some cases, can even regrow.
