Can Diabetes Make Your Hair Fall Out? Understanding the Link and Management Strategies

• 3 July 2024
• Dr Malay Mehta

Diabetes is a condition that not only affects blood sugar levels but may also have surprising impacts on other aspects of health, including hair health.

Many individuals often wonder, “Can diabetes make you lose your hair?“ and “Can diabetes make your hair fall out?”. Here, we will delve further into the connection between diabetes and hair loss, exploring the underlying causes and providing effective management strategies.

Understanding Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease characterised by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. It primarily stems from issues in how the body produces or uses insulin, a hormone essential for converting glucose into energy.

Here’s a deeper look at the two main types of diabetes and their impact on health:

• Type 1 Diabetes: In this condition, the body mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
  This autoimmune reaction prevents the pancreas from making insulin, leading to the need for lifelong insulin therapy.
• Type 2 Diabetes: This type is more common and primarily due to insulin resistance, where the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin. This is often exacerbated by factors such as obesity, poor diet and lack of exercise. Type 2 diabetes is often diagnosed based on elevated glucose levels in the blood and may initially be managed with lifestyle changes before progressing to diabetes medications.

Diabetes and Hair Loss

Can diabetes affect your hair? Yes, it can. Uncontrolled and fluctuating blood sugar levels can impact the hair growth cycle, leading to hair thinning and loss. Here’s a breakdown of how diabetes can cause hair loss:

• Impact on Blood Vessels: High blood sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the hair follicles, crucial for healthy hair growth.
• Immune System Dysfunction: In some cases, diabetes can compromise the immune system potentially targeting your hair follicle, resulting in conditions like alopecia areata, which causes patchy central scalp hair loss.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Diabetes, especially Type 2, is often associated with insulin resistance which can disrupt hormone levels that regulate hair growth.

Types of Diabetes-Related Hair Loss

People with diabetes might experience several types of hair loss, including:

• Telogen Effluvium: A condition where more hair enters the resting phase, leading to noticeable shedding.
• Androgenetic Alopecia: Commonly known as male or female pattern baldness
• Scalp Infections: Fungal infections can thrive when blood sugar levels are high, leading to scalp conditions that cause hair loss.

Managing hair loss due to diabetes involves addressing the underlying diabetic conditions and the symptoms of hair loss

Solutions to Managing Diabetes-Related Hair Loss

Managing hair loss due to diabetes involves addressing both the underlying diabetic conditions and the symptoms of hair loss itself.

At Dr. Malay Mehta’s clinic, we offer a variety of services that can help patients manage and potentially reverse hair loss associated with diabetes.

Mesotherapy: This treatment involves the injection of vitamins, minerals and amino acids directly into the scalp to nourish and rejuvenate the hair follicles.

PRP Therapy: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy uses a concentration of a patient’s own platelets to promote hair growth.

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): LLLT uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular activity in the hair follicles to enhance blood circulation and improve hair growth.

Hair Transplant: For more severe cases of hair loss, hair transplant surgeries including Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), are an option.

Other ways to stabilise the body’s systems and promote healthy hair include blood sugar control, maintaining a balanced diet and consulting the necessary healthcare providers.

Embracing a Holistic Approach to Diabetes and Hair Health

Understanding the impact of diabetes on hair health is crucial for effective management. Does diabetes cause hair loss on the head? Yes, it can, and by managing blood sugar levels, adjusting dietary intake and seeking professional advice, individuals can mitigate hair loss and improve their overall well-being.

How to contact us

Phone: +91 7045291747
Email Us: drmalaymehta@gmail.com

6th Floor, Cosmos Court,
Vile Parle West Mumbai – 400056
Maharashtra, India

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FAQs

Below, you can find more FAQs about whether diabetes can make your hair fall out, however, if you need any more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Can diabetes cause your hair to fall out?

When it comes to the question of, “does diabetes affect hair loss”, the answer is yes. Poor blood sugar control could disrupt normal hair growth, potentially causing hair thinning and loss.

Does diabetes only cause hair loss on the head?

While the most noticeable hair loss occurs on the scalp, diabetes causes hair loss on other parts of the body. You may notice diminished hair growth in areas like the arms, legs and chest.

Can managing diabetes help in reducing hair loss?

Yes, effectively managing diabetes by maintaining stable blood sugar levels can help reduce and potentially reverse hair loss. Keeping glucose levels within a normal range helps improve overall bodily functions, including nutrient delivery and hormonal balance.

What should I do if I notice hair loss due to diabetes?

Consult a healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and possible treatments or adjustments to your diabetes management plan. Early intervention can prevent further hair loss and may also offer opportunities to treat the underlying issues.

General Information Disclaimer: The content provided here is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information on this site is general in nature and may not reflect current medical developments or research. Your reliance on any information provided by this site is solely at your own risk.