Not only can diabetes cause hair loss, but thinning or loss of hair can even be one of the first noticeable symptoms of the condition. Of course, many factors can contribute to hair loss, so because the question “can diabetes cause hair loss” can be answered in the affirmative one shouldn’t assume that the loss of hair means you have diabetes. The relationship between the two conditions is real but not particularly strong.
But for a healthy person, the hair grows at a rate of about half an inch monthly. And it is normal to lose hair on a daily basis. But if a person is diabetic, hair follicles grow at a slower rate, and they spend a longer time in the “resting phase” of the hair growth cycle. During the resting phase, the follicles aren’t producing hair, so the combination of slower growth and longer periods of no growth, the hair can appear to be thinning. If this occurs in combination with other diabetes symptoms, you might consider testing for diabetes a little earlier than you otherwise might.
Can Diabetes Cause Hair Loss Due To Stress?
Many times diabetics think their hair loss is caused by diabetes when, in fact, it is being caused more by stress related to the condition. Diabetes is not easy to live with, and stress can cause hair loss independent of diabetes. So while the hair isn’t being replaced because of the hormonal changes going on in your body by the diabetic condition, additional stress can make the hair fall out quicker.
Keeping your blood sugar levels under control and testing to confirm it will give you some peace of mind. So managing your stress levels is probably as important a factor in maintaining a healthy head of hair as anything related to the diabetes condition. Talk about changes with your doctor, and get tested as deemed appropriate.
How Can Diabetes Cause Hair Loss Because of Circulatory and Immune System Changes the Condition Brings About?
Since the circulatory system is compromised in most diabetics, which can also slow the growth of hair. The normal hair growth cycle of two to six years can last much longer, and if compounded with hormonal imbalances brought on by poor sugar level control, will slow the hair growth.
Additionally, since the immune system is somewhat compromised, infections are more common in diabetics. Infections of the scalp are particularly common. And if the infection doesn’t heal normally, hair growth can slow further. Infections directly in the hair follicles will slow growth more drastically.
How Else Can Diabetes Cause Hair Loss?
- Medication side effects can affect hair growth
- Poor nutrition caused by trying to control blood sugar the wrong way can cause hair loss. (luckily, this is easy to fix by improving your diet)
- Diabetics often become depressed, and mental state has an effect on hair growth, or lack of it
So – can diabetes cause hair loss? The answer is a yes, but many of the factors are things you can control. Anything you can do to improve your overall health will also be healthy for your hair.
