Type 2 Diabetes – Perspectives & Testimonials

Hair loss is a common problem. But you have little to worry about if you follow a proper hair care routine and consume a healthy diet rich in nutrients good for the scalp and hair. Smoothies that contain anti-hair loss ingredients are a great way to boost hair health, smoothen and thicken the hair, reduce hair shedding, and add shine! Here are a few other ways to keep your hair lush and full, and compensate for diabetes hair loss.

Medicine

Your dermatologist may prescribe a topical drug like minoxidil (Rogaine), which you rub onto your scalp and other areas where there is hair loss. Men can also take a pill called finasteride (Propecia) to regrow hair. Finasteride hasn’t been approved for women to use. If alopecia is causing your hair loss, your doctor may prescribe steroid medicines to reduce inflammation.

Biotin

Biotin is a vitamin found naturally in foods like peanuts, almonds, sweet potatoes, eggs, onions, and oats. People with diabetes may have lower-than-normal levels of biotin. There’s some evidence that taking biotin supplements by mouth may slow hair loss. Just talk to your doctor first. The recommended adequate intake for adults is 30 micrograms per day, but supplements usually contain much higher amounts. Ask your doctor what is a safe amount for you.

Wigs

If the hair loss covers a large area of your scalp, you may want to temporarily cover it with a wig or hairpiece. The cost is fairly small, and you can remove the wig when you no longer need it. Losing your hair can be scary, but you have options. To better manage your blood sugar, engage in daily exercise. This is a great way to bring down blood sugar and encourage oxygen delivery to your
body’s extremities and even your scalp! Speak with your doctor to learn more about what you can do to manage your hair loss.

Smoothies Rich In Vitamins

Smoothies, made with natural ingredients, contain minerals, vitamins, fatty acids, and proteins that replenish and fortify your hair strands from within. These hair growth-boosting smoothies strengthen your hair roots and leave you with shiny and healthy hair strands. Check out our collection of free smoothie recipes. For a more in-depth plan, take a quick look at our custom smoothie diet plan which works together with your schedule and needs to create a tailor made solution for you.

Overall, the Mediterranean diet offers more of the foods your body needs, such as vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, and less of what it doesn’t, including red meat, refined carbohydrates, and sugary fare, says Nicole M. Bereolos, PhD, MPH, a certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES) in Dallas. In past research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, scientists in the United Kingdom compared the Mediterranean diet with vegetarian, vegan, low-carbohydrate, high-protein, high-fiber, and low-glycemic index diets, and found that the Mediterranean diet came out on top.
Study participants following Mediterranean, low-glycemic index, low carbohydrate, and high-protein diets all experienced better blood sugar control, as was indicated by their lower A1C scores. (A1C is a measure of average blood sugar levels over a three-month period.)

But people following the Mediterranean diet saw significant additional benefits — they lost the most weight and saw improved cardiovascular health, including better cholesterol levels. “The Mediterranean diet is rich in fruits and vegetables, and uses whole grains and lean protein, such as fish, as well as olive oil and nuts as the sources of fat,” says Betul Hatipoglu, MD, an endocrinologist with University Hospitals in Cleveland. “These healthy choices make the diet very rich in monounsaturated fat and fiber, and both have been known to lower cholesterol and blood sugar in people with diabetes.”

Check out our collection of Mediterranean diet recipes here and start actively taking steps towards better health.

The Mediterranean diet furthermore allows red wine, fat-free or low-fat dairy (such as yogurt), eggs, and lean meat all in moderation, says the Everyday Health nutritionist Kelly Kennedy, RD. Flavoring food with herbs and spices instead of salt is also encouraged. “It typically replaces saturated and trans fats with unsaturated fats, and this might explain the positive effect on insulin sensitivity,” Kennedy says. Research also suggests that it may be the high concentration of polyphenols (antioxidant plant compounds) in the foods typically included in the Mediterranean diet that assists.

People with diabetes often experience impressive reductions in blood sugar levels on a ketogenic diet. This is true of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Indeed, dozens of controlled studies show that a very low-carb diet helps control blood sugar and may also provide other health benefits. In a 16-week study, 17 of 21 people on a ketogenic diet were able to discontinue or decrease diabetes medication dosage. Study participants also lost an average of 19 pounds (8.7 kg) and reduced their waist size, triglycerides and blood pressure. In a 3-month study comparing a ketogenic diet to a moderate-carb diet, people in the ketogenic group averaged a 0.6% decrease in HbA1c. 12% of participants achieved an HbA1c below 5.7%, which is considered normal.

 Click here to access an assortment of healthy, keto based recipes designed to help you maintain a low carb diet. For a more in depth diet plan, click here to access a custom built-for-you keto diet plan.

Ketogenic diets have been shown to reduce blood sugar in people with diabetes. In some cases, values return to a normal range, and medications can be discontinued or reduced.

According to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes can still have sweets, chocolate, or other sugary foods as long they are eaten as part of a healthful meal plan or combined with exercise.

They consider a healthful meal plan to:

• have limited saturated fat
• contain moderate amounts of salt and sugar
• include lean protein, non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and healthy fats

However, it is best to save sugary foods for an occasional treat and enjoy them in small portions.