Insulin is a hormone that moves sugar from the foods you eat from your blood to the other cells of your body to be stored as energy. If a body doesn’t produce the correct amount of insulin (or doesn’t use the insulin as it should) then excess sugar can build up in the blood system. This can lead to a whole host of problems including damage to organs, nerves, and blood vessels. These hormone imbalances can cause hair follicles to shrink and lead to thinning hair.
Does High Insulin Cause Hair Loss?
Elevated levels of insulin can lead to bad blood circulation which can affect the health of hair follicles. If hair follicles are unable to receive enough oxygen and blood flow, the hair follicles will be unable to produce new strands of hair. This leads to hair thinning and even bald spots.
Studies have shown, especially in African America women, that there is a strong link between type 2 diabetes and central-scalp hair loss. A common health problem is that some people are insulin resistant… meaning they generally have high levels of the hormone because their bodies simply do not use insulin correctly. There is evidence to suggest a link between insulin resistance and female hair loss.
Can High Blood Sugar Cause Hair Loss and Thinning?
The inflammation caused by elevated blood sugar and altered adipokine levels may result in weakened follicles, causing hair to thin or fall out. Adipokines are one of a large group of molecules made by fat cells that circulate through the bloodstream and help regulate many bodily functions. Changes in their levels may lead to obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and other diseases like heart disease and cancer.
Will Hair Loss From Diabetes Grow Back?
In some cases, hair loss from diabetes is reversible. The most effective way for this to happen is to properly manage stress and to stay in good control of blood sugar levels. A person can effectively manage their blood sugar levels by monitoring their levels regularly, taking all medication as directed by a physician, eating a balanced and healthy diet, and maintaining regular exercise.
Such medications can include Semaglutide injections for type 2 diabetes (also known as incretin mimetics) like Ozempic. It is used to help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels and is intended to be used alongside regular healthy diet and exercise. Semaglutide works by increasing insulin sensitivity and lowering blood sugar levels.
It is important to understand that once diabetes and stress begin to be properly managed, it will then take several months before the hard work yields noticeable hair restoration.
RHRLI – An Approach Tailored to Your Specific Needs
At RHRLI, we will determine the cause of your hair loss and will work with you to develop and implement a customized treatment plan aimed at meeting your hair restoration goals. Our array of both surgical and minimally invasive treatment options offers a full spectrum of options for any situation. If you have experienced permanent hair loss, we offer the latest in hair replacement technology – the ARTAS® Robotic FUE Hair Restoration System. Providing a natural look, this minimally invasive procedure will have you back to your day-to-day life in no time. Contact us today for a free consultation and to get you on the path to restoring both your hair and your confidence.