Does Diabetes Cause Hair Loss?

Many people with diabetes notice changes in their hair quality and density. Not everyone experiences hair thinning, but those who do often ask if diabetes is the cause.

Yes, diabetes can cause hair loss. When your blood sugar stays high for a long time, it can harm your blood vessels. This can disrupt your hormones and cause inflammation, preventing your hair from growing normally.  

If you have diabetes, you might notice your hair getting thinner over time, though this varies depending on how well your diabetes is managed and your overall health.

In this article, we’ll show you how diabetes affects your hair and how you can manage hair loss.

Case Study: 41-year-old Male With Diabetes and AA

In February 2009, a 41-year-old male patient was admitted to a hospital with hyperglycemia and around 80% of scalp hair loss (see A and B). Thanks to the effective treatment from his doctors, S. Makino, T. Uchihashi, and others, he had complete hair regrowth 1.5 years after starting insulin therapy (see C).  

Quick Overview of How Diabetes Affects Your Hair

What Causes Hair Loss in People with Diabetes?

Poor Blood Circulation and Follicle Damage

High blood sugar can harm the small blood vessels in your body. This includes the vessels that supply blood to your hair follicles. When these small vessels can’t deliver enough oxygen and nutrients, your hair follicles don’t get what they need. As a result, they start to weaken and shut down too soon. 

Damage to blood vessels can explain why many people notice thinner hair a few years after being diagnosed with diabetes, especially if their blood sugar levels stay high.

Hormonal Imbalances and Insulin Resistance

Insulin issues affect more than just your blood sugar levels. It’s like a domino effect of hormone changes that throw off your hair's natural growth rhythm. When insulin doesn't work properly, it can trigger higher levels of androgens, male hormones that everyone has, regardless of gender.

These androgens can shrink your hair follicles over time, making each new hair strand thinner than the last until eventually, they stop producing hair altogether.

Source: HairScience

Type 1 Diabetes and Alopecia Areata (Autoimmune Connections)

If you have Type 1 diabetes, you're at higher risk for other autoimmune conditions, including one called alopecia areata. This condition causes round bald spots instead of overall thinning hair. It happens because the same immune system problems that attack your pancreas can sometimes go after your hair follicles too.

Medication and Nutrient Deficiency Factors

Some diabetes medications can cause hair loss as a side effect. Metformin is a common medication for Type 2 diabetes. Over time, it can make your body absorb less vitamin B12. 

When you're low on B12, your hair suffers because this vitamin plays a key role in creating new cells, including the rapidly dividing cells in your hair follicles. Regular blood tests can catch these deficiencies before they lead to noticeable hair loss.

Stress and Cortisol Levels

Living with diabetes is stressful. The daily management, health worries, and lifestyle adjustments can spike your stress hormone levels. 

High cortisol can push hair follicles into a resting phase, causing increased shedding a few months later. This creates an unfortunate cycle where diabetes stress leads to hair loss, which creates more stress, and so on.

Signs Your Hair Loss May Be Related to Diabetes

Diabetes-related hair loss often looks different from regular balding. Watch for these signs:

• Your hair is thinning evenly all over your head

• You notice more hair falling out when your blood sugar is high

• You're losing body hair, not just scalp hair 

• New hair seems slow to grow back in thin areas

• Your hair looks more brittle or finer than before

• Your hair loss started around the same time as other diabetes symptoms

• Your scalp feels dry and itchy 

If you notice these changes, mention them to your doctor. They might indicate your diabetes needs better management.

Real-life example of hair loss caused by diabetes: see full discussion.

How to Treat and Manage Hair Loss from Diabetes

Balance Blood Sugar Levels

The most effective way to stop diabetes-related hair loss is to get your blood sugar under control. Work with your doctor to manage your diabetes through:

• Adjusting your medications if needed

• Keeping track of your carb intake

• Moving your body regularly

• Timing your meals strategically

• Using continuous glucose monitoring

Real-life example of a patient successfully growing back their hair by controlling the blood sugar: see full discussion. 

Nutrition for Hair Health

Certain nutrients can help your hair bounce back:

• Vitamin B12: Found in meat, fish, and dairy (or supplements if you take metformin)

• Zinc: Load up on pumpkin seeds, oysters, or beef

• Biotin: Grab some eggs, nuts, or sweet potatoes

• Omega-3s: Try fatty fish like salmon or plant sources like flaxseed

Instead of randomly taking supplements, ask your doctor to check your nutrient levels first. 

Stress Management and Lifestyle Tips

Reducing stress from diabetes helps balance the hormones that affect hair growth:

• Exercise regularly to lower cortisol levels and help your insulin work better

• Get enough sleep to keep your hormones balanced

• Practice mindfulness and meditate to reduce stress hormones

• Join support groups to connect with people who understand you

• Talk to a mental health professional to learn better ways to cope

Medical and Dermatological Treatments

Several treatments focus on helping hair grow back:

• Minoxidil increases blood flow to your scalp

• Low-level laser therapy caps or combs help hair follicles produce more energy

• PRP injections send growth factors right to your scalp

• Prescription treatments like finasteride could be a good option for some people

These treatments work best when your diabetes is under control, rather than being the only solutions you rely on.

Can Hair Grow Back After Diabetes-Related Hair Loss?

Yes, your hair can definitely grow back after diabetes-related loss, especially once you address what caused it in the first place. Unlike genetic baldness, diabetes-related hair loss usually means your follicles are dormant - not dead.

Most people see the first signs of regrowth within 3-4 months after getting their blood sugar under control and giving their hair some extra TLC. These new hairs typically show up as short strands along your hairline or part. Full results take patience – about 6-12 months – since hair only grows about half an inch each month.

How quickly you tackle the problem matters a lot. Hair follicles that have been dormant for years due to uncontrolled diabetes might take longer to wake up than those affected more recently.

Real-life example of a male patient who reversed hair loss after being diagnosed: see full discussion.

When to See a Specialist

While losing some hair every day is normal, talk to your doctor if:

• Your hair is coming out in handfuls rather than just a few strands

• You notice round bald patches instead of general thinning

• Your scalp is irritated or flaky, along with hair loss

• Your hair loss comes with increasing fatigue, weight changes, or thirst

• You've had better blood sugar control for 3-6 months with no improvement in hair growth

Your doctor might refer you to an endocrinologist to check your hormone levels or to a dermatologist.

Final Thoughts

Managing diabetes is a daily commitment, and regrowing healthy hair requires the same regular attention. Many people get better results when they handle both sides of the issue at the same time.

With patience and consistency, you can restore not just your hair but also your confidence while keeping your diabetes in check. 

Spartan's Root Activator line includes ingredients selected to address the main causes of thinning hair, including the circulation and hormone issues common with diabetes. 

Our Root Activator Shampoo improves blood flow to hair follicles, directly targeting one of the main ways diabetes affects your hair. When used with our activator products, the Scalp Brush amplifies their impact and stimulates the follicles.

The Root Activator Spray delivers plant-based compounds straight to your scalp, supporting follicle function. To keep your hair soft and manageable, try our Root Activator Conditioner.