What Are the Treatments for Hair Loss From Diabetes?

Hair loss from diabetes is caused by fluctuations in your hormone levels. Although the average person sheds up to 100 strands of hair daily, your hair growth rate may be slowed down if you suffer from diabetes. Treatment for hair loss includes dietary adjustments and medication to stimulate hair growth.

Protein

• Increase your protein intake. Protein provides nutrients necessary for healthy, strong hair. Protein can be found in meat, fish, poultry, nuts, dairy products and eggs. According to the American Diabetes Association, 25 percent of each meal should consist of protein.

Vitamin C

• Vitamin C is an important vitamin that helps maintain healthy hair. A lack of vitamin C in your diet can cause hair thinning and loss. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, green pepper, broccoli and cabbage are all sources of vitamin C that should be part of your daily diet. Take 90 mg of vitamin C daily if you are a man between the age of 19 to 50 or 75 mg daily if you are a woman between the age of 19 to 50, according to "Diabetes for Dummies."

Heat Styling

• Reduce your use of heat styling tools as they can increase hair loss by drying out the hair and damaging the cuticle. Limit use to once a week and use a heat protectant spray to reduce damage to the hair.

Minoxidil

• Minoxidil is a nonprescription medication that stimulates hair growth when applied to the scalp daily. New growth can take up to 12 weeks to appear, and in order to continue working the medication must be taken daily.

Shampoo

• Avoid shampooing your hair with products that contain sodium lauryl sulfate, as it is a harsh detergent that removes natural oils from your hair. These oils are necessary for maintaining moisture and preventing breakage due to dryness. Wash your hair every other day or use a moisturizing shampoo that contains olive oil.