Diabetes is an ailment that afflicts increasing numbers of people every day. Many do not recognize that the loss or thinning of hair can be a symptom of the onset of diabetes. However, if detected early enough, diabetes is a manageable disease that need not result in hair loss or other complications. Many things, including stress, can lead to the onset of diabetes. It is a disease that affects the body on every level, which may include the anxiety attacks that contribute to balding.

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.

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.

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. Consulting with a physician is the best way to get a handle on the situation and treat it properly from the beginning.