Insulin resistance, a symptom associated with diabetes, is known to cause hair loss. In addition to losing more hair than usual, diabetes can also slow down hair growth. Hair grows at a slower than usual rate among those suffering from the condition.
The primary causes of hair loss in people with diabetes are uncontrolled blood sugar levels, emotional and physical stress, and hormone imbalances. Using medications and lifestyle interventions to get blood sugar levels under control may help reverse or slow down the effects of hair loss.
Insulin stimulated hair follicle growth in a dose-dependent manner over the range of 0.01 to 100 micrograms/ml. Maximum rates of hair follicle growth were observed when follicles were maintained in medium containing 10 micrograms/ml insulin, which is supraphysiologic.
Without insulin, cells are unable to use glucose as fuel and they will start malfunctioning. Extra glucose that is not used by the cells will be converted and stored as fat so it can be used to provide energy when glucose levels are too low.
You'll need to get a blood test that checks your blood sugar levels. Likewise, you won't know if you have most of the other conditions that are part of insulin resistance syndrome (high blood pressure, low "good" cholesterol levels, and high triglycerides) without seeing your doctor.
Exercise is one of the fastest and most effective ways to reverse insulin resistance. Eat a balanced diet emphasizing vegetables, proteins, and low-fat dairy. Moderating your carb intake can help with weight loss and decreasing insulin resistance. Lose weight, especially around the middle, if possible.
Lack of insulin production
This is primarily the cause of type 1 diabetes. It occurs when insulin-producing cells are damaged or destroyed and stop producing insulin. Insulin is needed to move blood sugar into cells throughout the body.
Diabetes can interrupt this process, slowing down hair growth. Having diabetes can also cause you to lose more hair than usual. That hair loss doesn't only affect your head. You can lose hairs on your arms, legs, and other body parts, too.
Hair loss is often associated with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. It is thought that certain problems caused by diabetes may result in hair loss, including an immune system disorder called alopecia areata, poor circulation, and high blood sugar.
Growing hair after experiencing hair loss due to diabetes is possible, but it can take longer than you might wish.
As with male pattern baldness, female pattern baldness comes from hormone imbalances, specifically dihydrotestosterone imbalances, or DHT. This hormone is similar in structure to testosterone, but it is significantly more potent [3]. DHT can attach to receptors on the hair follicles, causing the follicles to shrink.
Minoxidil (brand name Rogaine) is an over-the-counter liquid or foam applied to the scalp twice a day. It encourages blood flow to the hair follicles to stimulate hair growth (Badri, 2021). Minoxidil seems to work best on younger men (under 40) who've been experiencing hair loss for less than five years.
Type 2 diabetes was associated with an increased risk of severe central scalp hair loss in AA women. Patients with type 2 diabetes should be followed closely for central scalp hair loss so that appropriate treatment can be offered.
Maintaining balanced blood sugar levels is the most important way to protect blood vessel health and reduce the risk of experiencing hair loss from damaged blood vessels. This means eating a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and taking medication to control glucose if your doctor prescribes it.
Metformin has been shown to support hair growth in people who had PCOS and were being treated with it. In general, metformin does not exert a direct effect on hair, but may promote healthy hair by supporting normal glucose and insulin levels.
Metformin isn't a known cause of hair loss. However, the conditions treated by metformin — type 2 diabetes and PCOS — often list hair loss as a possible symptom. Therefore, your hair loss might be caused by the underlying condition as opposed to the treatment.
Just like a car needs gasoline, our cells need sugar. Unfortunately, if our blood sugar and insulin levels get out of whack, we can begin to develop changes that increase our risk for both weight gain and type two diabetes.
Experts believe obesity, especially too much fat in the abdomen and around the organs, called visceral fat, is a main cause of insulin resistance. A waist measurement of 40 inches or more for men and 35 inches or more for women is linked to insulin resistance.
Type 1 diabetes is a serious disease that affects many children and adolescents. The disease causes the pancreas to stop producing insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels are too high, the smallest blood vessels in the body eventually become damaged.
eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. reducing your intake of processed foods and added sugar. consuming lean, protein-rich foods, like chicken, fish, and plant-based proteins.
Vitamin D has a number of benefits for your health. Produced by the body in response to sun exposure, it is thought to help boost insulin sensitivity, which is vital for blood glucose regulation.