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.



The root cause of diabetes is that the diabetic's body cannot produce sufficient insulin to metabolize the carbohydrates in his or her diet. Due to their poor blood circulation and high blood sugar levels, diabetes sufferers often face a wide array of health issues, including skin problems, bruising, and slow recovery from injuries, including delayed hair re-growth. The slow growth of hair can result in significant hair loss, a problem exacerbated by the bacterial and fungal infections that disproportionately affect people who have diabetes.

Classified as an autoimmune disease, type 1 diabetes frequently results in a condition known as alopecia areata, in which bald spots appear on the head. There are several other health problems that can arise with type 1 diabetes. Among these health problems are dysfunctional thyroid, vitiligo and pernicious anemia. Vitiligo is when patches of skin lose pigment often on hands, face and genetalia. Pernicious anemia results in the loss of effectiveness of the stomach lining to secrete enzymes for vitamin B12 absorption.

Diabetes often goes undetected because the early symptoms are often over looked and frequently over looked or even ignored by the patient and even physicians. This often leads to serious problems, including blindness, kidney failure and heart disease. Early detection and treatment can slow or arrest the progression of the disease, prevent excessive hair loss and lead to longer and healthier life. Successful treatment of diabetes requires commitment on the part of the patient to manage their lifestyle and the disease consistently.

Hair loss typically begins with the onset of diabetes and increases in severity as the disease progresses. Early diagnosis of the hair loss and its cause is essential as it may be your body's way of telling you that something more serious is happening. It is imperative that you seek a physician's advice concerning you hair loss problem to prevent further hair loss. While lotions and conditioners are readily available, they may not be sufficient to stop you hair loss problem.