Diabetes And Hair Loss - written by Andrea Morris

Diabetes is striking more and more people each day, and most do not realize that thinning hair is an early symptom of the disease. If detected and treated early, complications such as hair loss and other symptoms can be limited. Several factors lead to the onset of diabetes, including but not limited to stress factors. Diabetes can affect every part of the body, and be a major cause of stress, which is one of the most well known causes of hair loss.

Diabetes is a disorder of metabolizing carbohydrates, resulting in an elevated blood glucose level. One of the consequences is poor peripheral blood circulation. These two problems combined lead to an increased risk of skin and hair problems for people with diabetes. Diabetics are much more susceptible to bruises, and even minor injuries are slower and more difficult to heal. This slower healing includes hair re-growth. Consequently, hair loss tends to be noticeable for diabetics. Additionally, scalp infections are more likely, which can cause further hair loss.

Type 1 diabetes is classified as an autoimmune disease and often creates small bald patches on the scalp. This condition is called alopecia areata. It is often accompanied with other health issues including dysfunctional thyroid, a skin condition know as vitiligo which is characterized by the loss of pigment on large patches of skin most commonly on the hands, face and genitalia. Pernicious anemia is also a potential issue for people with diabetes. This is a condition in which the lining of the stomach no longer secretes enough enzymes to allow sufficient absorption of the vitamin B12.

Patients and even their doctors often overlook or even ignore the early symptoms of diabetes. Because of this, it may go undetected for some time, and as a result the patient may go blind or suffer from kidney failure or heart disease. If diabetes is discovered in the early stages, the progress of the disease can be slowed or even halted by treatment. The patient can be saved from undue loss of hair, and live longer and healthier. Patients with diabetes must make a commitment to consistent lifestyle management if their disease is to be controlled.

As hair loss may be a sign of a serious medical problem, ruling out a medical cause for hair loss is important. For example, hair loss usually begins with the onset of diabetes, increasing in severity as diabetes progresses. Consulting a physician is also important in order to prevent further hair loss, if possible and desirable. Over the counter lotions and conditioners are readily available for treating hair loss, but the majority are entirely ineffective, and even the best over the counter topical medication treatments are generally only partially successful. Physicians have other options available, including oral medications and hair transplant surgeries, to help you treat hair loss effectively.