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The Connection Between Diabetes and Hair Loss

Some people with diabetes experience hair loss. Because the same condition have been observed among several diabetes patients, it is therefore not surprising to question if diabetes has any connection with hair loss. Indeed, studies and research have shown that it has. A look at the because facts about diabetes and hair loss would help us understand how these two are connected.

On Hair Basics

Let us first examine and understand both the human hair and diabetes' basic facts to help us better understand how the two may be related. Although the human head hair seemingly has no obvious function other than for appearance, it is still stands to benefit or suffer from anything that is going in on any other parts of your body.

Hair grows from a root and follicle located underneath the human scalp. The hair grows and is nourished by through the bloodstream which transports nutrients from the body to the hair roots and follicles. If there your body does not have sufficient nutrients or does not have proper blood circulation, hair growth and health is also affected.

Basics of Hair Loss

Not all cases of hair loss in diabetic persons may be attributed to diabetes alone. It is only a possibility. It is therefore important to seek out the real cause of hair loss in your condition through the process of eliminating other possible causes before tagging diabetes as its cause.

Just like diabetes, hair loss is also affected by genetic factors. It is estimated that 95% of people who suffer from hair loss have androgenetic alopecia which is a hair loss condition that is brought about by genes and hormonal activity. Check first if you have this before thinking of the possibility of diabetes. However, since both conditions have genetic components, you may want to take a look at the rest of your family members and relatives. Balding relatives who are also diabetic may indicate that you may share a similar future.

Diabetes with Hair Loss

The connection between diabetes and hair loss can be established best by looking at the nature of diabetes and what it does to the body. Diabetes is a condition in which people either cannot produce insulin or cannot respond properly to it. When this happens, glucose cannot always enter the body cells to provide energy. Since glucose has nowhere else to go, it will start collecting in the bloodstream. With high blood sugar levels, fat deposits may also begin to attach on blood vessel walls, effectively clogging blood passageways. This results in improper blood flow and poor circulation.

As explained, the hair's main source of nutrition is in the bloodstream. Poor blood circulation means unhealthy hair condition. Furthermore, poor blood flow can also result to infections and skin irritations among diabetics. And since scalp is part of the skin on our head, it is also gravely affected with hair loss as possible effect.

Diet Conditions

People with both diabetes and hair loss may have a tougher time dealing with hair loss. Usual cases of hair loss are treated with nutritional supplementation and proper diet. Those with diabetes and hair loss however have to take into consideration the graver condition of diabetes. Eating an unregulated amount of even the most nutritious foods may result in drastic glucose spikes. Consult your doctor first before dealing with your hair loss.