Past Tense

Hair loss can often be a sign of underlying disease, and is sometimes the first indicator that you may notice that points to diabetes. If you are losing more hair than you used to, a quick visit to your doctor is in order. This is important, as it will help to identify or rule out underlying disease as the cause. If you are diagnosed with diabetes and this is the potential cause of your hair loss, then there are several things that you can do to control it. Diabetes can impact hair growth and loss in the following ways:

1. It can cause poor circulation. Blood circulation is critical to proper hair growth. Hair normally grows 2 to 6 inches every year, and when blood circulation is poor hair follicles don’t get the nutrients they need to support healthy hair growth. Existing hair strands tend to die and fall out faster, and new hairs aren’t produced fast enough to replace them.

2. Diabetics are more susceptible to skin conditions, and skin conditions on the scalp can cause hair loss. Both bacterial and fungal infections of the scalp can interrupt the normal growth process of hair.

3. The medication often prescribed and taken for diabetes can interrupt the normal cycle of hair growth. More often, this is reversed as the body adjusts to the medication, but anyone beginning medications should be aware of this.

4. Diabetes causes both physiological and psychological stress and anxiety. Stress and anxiety are direct factors in hair loss. Dehydration is a factor as well. When coupled with stress, it can be a killer for hair.

If you have hair loss related to diabetes, here are some helpful suggestions:

1. Wait to see if the condition will right itself once you have been on your medication for some time. This may take a few or more months.

2. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Eight to ten 8 oz. glasses of water consumed through your day will assure proper hydration. this is important for overall health, and will also impact hair growth and retention.

3. Make sure you get enough exercise. Exercise promotes increased circulation, and circulation assures that the nutrients required for healthy hair growth are delivered to your scalp. A healthy scalp leads to healthier and more plentiful hair follicles.

4. Relaxation techniques such as Yoga or meditation will help you manage stress. Along with proper diet and exercise, these techniques will help relieve anxiety that can lead to hair loss.

Diabetes is a significant diagnosis and a life-changing illness. Follow your physician’s instructions carefully and continue to do those things that you know are good for your general health. Hair health is affected by all that you do and consume.

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