You likely know that diabetes can trigger everything from fatigue to increased thirst, but it can also cause hair loss, notes Andres Splenser, MD, an endocrinologist at Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston, Texas. “When I see women with hair loss, if they don’t have a history of diabetes, I check either for pre-diabetes or insulin resistance. High blood sugar can lead to inflammation, which is toxic to the hair follicle,” he reveals. Here, healthcare pros share everything you need to know about why diabetes may lead to hair thinning and natural ways to stave off shedding.
How diabetes can cause hair loss
In addition to triggering inflammation, diabetes also affects blood circulation, impacting the hair growth cycle. “Insulin resistance may contribute to hair loss by constricting blood vessels, impairing nutrient delivery to hair follicles, and enhancing androgen activity [male sex hormones]—especially dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which plays a key role in shrinking hair follicles,” explains board-certified dermatologist Pooja H. Rambhia, MD.
“A recently published case [in JAAD Case Reports] described a patient who experienced a significant increase in hair density after six months of type 2 diabetes medication tirzepatide monotherapy for insulin resistance,” Dr. Rambhia notes. She adds that this improvement coincided with weight loss and better metabolic control, lending support to the argument that targeting insulin resistance may help reverse or reduce hair loss by lowering DHT levels and improving scalp circulation.
How to prevent diabetes hair loss naturally
Now that you know why diabetes may cause or worsen shedding, read on for simple, natural strategies shown to both improve blood sugar control and ward off hair loss.
Snack on pistachios
People with diabetes and hair loss should add 1 oz. of these nuts to their diet daily, suggests dietitian and nutrition consultant Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDCES, LDN, CPT, author of 2-Day Diabetes Diet: Diet Just 2 Days a Week and Dodge Type 2 Diabetes. “Not only do they provide a good source of plant-based protein and fiber to support blood sugar balance, but pistachios also contain key nutrients like biotin, zinc and antioxidants like lutein, which contribute to overall metabolic health and provide a foundation for healthy hair.”
Enjoy deeper sleep
While you don’t need another reason to prioritize your sleep. Dr. Splenser reveals that hitting the snooze button may help boost hair growth and support diabetes management. “A lot of your hormones are produced when you’re in deep REM sleep early in the morning,” he reveals. “So if your sleep is disrupted, growth hormone and other hormones that are essential for healthy hair are going to be affected.”
What’s more, recent research in Diabetes Care suggests high-quality sleep helps keep blood sugar levels in control and may play a key role in preventing diabetes.
Melt stress with gentle moves
Stress is arguably enemy #1 of good health, so it’s no surprise that elevated levels of cortisol can both increase the risk of developing diabetes and lead to hair loss. Along with loading up on follicle-fortifying foods rich in protein and iron—like lean meats, legumes and leafy greens—Dr. Pooja recommends a steady “diet” of stress relief: “Mindfulness, gentle yoga or stretching can help regulate hormones and reduce hair shedding,” she says.
Source: Can Diabetes Cause Hair Loss? How to Reverse the Shedding | Woman's World