Does Diabetes Cause Hair Loss?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. It causes high blood sugar levels. Many things, including genetics, hormones, and aging, can cause hair loss. Diabetes is not a common cause of hair loss, but it can happen in some people.

What are the risk factors?

Certain factors may increase your risk of developing diabetes-related hair loss. They include:

* Poorly controlled diabetes: People with poorly controlled diabetes are more likely to experience hair loss. This is because high levels of sugar in your blood can damage the cells in the hair follicles.

* Certain diabetes medications: Some medications used to treat diabetes, especially those that lower insulin levels, may have hair loss as a side effect.

* Thyroid problems: People with diabetes are more likely to develop thyroid problems, which can also lead to hair loss.

* Male pattern baldness: Men with diabetes are more likely to develop male pattern baldness, which is the most common form of hair loss.

How is it treated?

The treatment for diabetes-related hair loss depends on the underlying cause. If your hair loss is due to poorly controlled diabetes, getting your blood sugar levels under control may help slow or stop hair loss.

If your hair loss is due to a certain diabetes medication, you may need to switch to a different medication. If your hair loss is due to a thyroid problem, you may need to take thyroid medication.

Minoxidil (Rogaine) is a topical medication that can help to promote hair growth. Laser therapy is another option and may help to stimulate hair growth.

In severe cases, hair transplantation may be an option. This is a surgical procedure that involves taking hair from another area of the body and transplanting it to the scalp.

Can it be prevented?

There is no sure way to prevent diabetes-related hair loss. However, you can reduce your risk by keeping your blood sugar levels under control and managing other conditions that may contribute to hair loss, such as thyroid problems.

Talk to your doctor:

If you are experiencing hair loss and you have diabetes, talk to your doctor. They can help to determine the cause and recommend the best treatment.

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