"Diabetic hair" refers to hair changes, primarily thinning and loss, caused by diabetes due to high blood sugar damaging blood vessels that supply hair follicles with nutrients, slowing growth and increasing shedding, sometimes leading to brittle hair or autoimmune-related patches like alopecia areata. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can cause this, impacting hair on the scalp and body, but good diabetes management, diet, and exercise can help improve blood flow and potentially reduce loss.
Hair loss can be a symptom of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes and is thought to have a few possible causes, including hormonal imbalances, poor circulation due to hyperglycemia, or an autoimmune disorder.
Ten key warning signs of diabetes include increased thirst and urination, extreme hunger, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing sores, unexplained weight loss, tingling/numbness in hands or feet, frequent infections, and sometimes dark skin patches (acanthosis nigricans), all indicating high blood sugar levels needing medical attention.
Is hair loss from diabetes reversible? In many cases, diabetes-related hair loss can be improved or slowed by managing blood sugar levels, adopting a healthy lifestyle, supporting your immune system, and using medical treatments.
Other natural products, such as biotin and zinc, have also been advocated for the treatment of hair loss. Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin and an essential coenzyme for several important enzymes15 while zinc is an essential micronutrient that is responsible for the normal functioning of hundreds of enzymes.
Studies have indicated that metformin stimulates autophagy and stem cell proliferation in hair follicle cells, which are important for hair regrowth. Metformin has been shown to stimulate hair growth both in vivo in cicatricial alopecia and in vitro settings.
Common symptoms include:
Avoid sugary drinks whenever possible because not only can they raise blood sugar levels, but they can also contribute many calories to the recommended daily calorie intake.
Digital sclerosis: Some people with Type 1 diabetes develop hardened, thick, waxy skin on the backs of their hands. The finger joints stiffen, making movement difficult.
To manage diabetes, avoid sugary drinks, refined carbs (white bread, pasta, rice), processed foods, sweets (candy, cakes), unhealthy fats (fried foods, trans fats, high-fat dairy), and limit red/processed meats, while focusing on fiber-rich, whole foods. Key is to control blood sugar spikes by reducing added sugars, sodium, unhealthy fats, and simple carbs.
It can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or a normal part of aging. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but it's more common in men. Baldness typically refers to excessive hair loss from your scalp. Hereditary hair loss with age is the most common cause of baldness.
Malnourished, aged scalp
Excessive sugar consumption has previously been highlighted as a potential cause of hair loss. This is due to a high intake of sugar could lead to glycation, where proteins are broken down.
People with type 2 diabetes may have dull, mild headaches. The pain usually isn't sharp and severe like a migraine. Headaches can occur when blood sugar levels are too high, and they may happen when blood sugar levels are too low.
No Visible Pattern. With stress-related shedding, hair falls out evenly all over your scalp instead of in a defined pattern. You'll likely notice more hairs than usual coming out while shampooing, combing, or on your pillow, clothing, and bathroom floor.
Drinking water won't lower your blood sugar levels, but staying hydrated can help you manage them if you have diabetes. Regularly drinking enough water is healthy, and research has linked it to a reduced risk of high blood sugar and diabetes.
Fruits to avoid with diabetes
While you don't need to avoid these high glycemic fruits, you should limit or eat them in moderation: Bananas. Mangoes. Pineapple.
Aim for at least eight cups of water per day and try to drink a glass of water first thing in the morning.
Examples of the worst foods for diabetics include:
Drink more water
“Water helps your kidneys filter out excess sugar through urine,” says Khan. “So, the more hydrated you are, the more urine production you'll have, which flushes out sugar in the body.” Always opt for water instead of sugary drinks, like soda and juice.
Physical symptoms: reduced activity, low energy, tiredness, decreased physical endurance, increased effort to do physical tasks, general weakness, heaviness, slowness or sluggishness, nonrestorative sleep, and sleepiness.
8 Simple Snacks That Won't Spike Your Blood Sugar
The number one priority when regrowing hair with diabetes is eliminating problematic foods and becoming more active. Taking these steps allows you to take more control over your blood sugar levels with smaller doses of medications.
Under certain conditions, too much metformin can cause lactic acidosis. The symptoms of lactic acidosis are severe and quick to appear, and usually occur when other health problems not related to the medicine are present and are very severe, such as a heart attack or kidney failure.
The most common options include: