Last updated on February 11, 2025
Diabetes is a complex condition that affects millions worldwide, influencing many aspects of health. While most people associate it with blood sugar levels and insulin, its impact on hair health is often overlooked. However, diabetes can play a significant role in hair thinning and hair loss. Here’s the connection between diabetes and hair loss, how it occurs, and what you can do about it.
Understanding Diabetes
Diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce or effectively use insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Chronic high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia) can lead to various complications, including nerve damage, circulation problems, and impaired healing. These issues can affect not just internal organs but also hair follicles, contributing to hair loss.
Globally, over 830 million people have diabetes, according to the World Health Organization. In Australia, the figures are equally striking, with around 1.3 million (1 in 20) people with this health condition, and many more estimated to have undiagnosed or prediabetic conditions.
How Diabetes Affects Hair Growth
Hair growth follows a natural cycle with three main phases:
- Anagen (growth phase) – lasts for several years.
- Catagen (transitional phase) – a brief phase when growth stops.
- Telogen (resting phase) – when hair sheds, allowing new growth to occur.
Diabetes can disrupt this cycle in several ways:
1. Reduced Blood Flow to Hair Follicles
The reality is that high sugar can cause hair loss. This is because they can damage blood vessels, reducing circulation throughout the body. Hair follicles rely on a steady supply of nutrients and oxygen delivered by the bloodstream. When circulation is compromised, follicles may weaken, leading to slower hair growth or increased shedding.
2. Hormonal Imbalances
Diabetes can cause fluctuations in hormone levels, such as androgens, which can contribute to hair thinning. Elevated androgen levels are known to cause androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) in both men and women.
3. Inflammation
Chronic inflammation, often associated with diabetes, can harm hair follicles, preventing them from functioning optimally. Over time, this can lead to scarring or the loss of hair in affected areas.
4. Stress and Autoimmune Conditions
Living with diabetes can be stressful, and stress itself is a known contributor to hair loss. Moreover, people with type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune condition, are more likely to develop other autoimmune disorders, such as alopecia areata, where the immune system attacks hair follicles.
Diabetes can cause hair loss by disrupting blood flow to hair follicles, triggering hormonal imbalances, and increasing inflammation, all of which weaken the scalp’s ability to support healthy growth.
Is My Hair Thinning Diabetes-Related Hair Loss?
Hair loss linked to diabetes often manifests as general thinning across the scalp, called central scalp hair loss, rather than specific bald patches. However, if an autoimmune condition like alopecia areata is involved, patchy hair loss may occur.
Signs to watch for include:
- Noticeable thinning or reduced hair density.
- Increased shedding during brushing or washing.
- Slow regrowth of hair after it falls out.
A hair and scalp analysis can help you discover if your hair loss is related to your diabetes, and guide you to the best medical hair growth treatments.
Can Hair Loss from Diabetes Be Reversed?
The good news is that addressing diabetes-related hair loss is possible with appropriate management. While not all hair loss can be fully reversed, improving blood sugar control and making healthy lifestyle changes can promote better hair health.
1. Blood Sugar Management
Consistently managing blood sugar levels is crucial to your overall health and diabetes management as well as a healthy hair growth cycle. This may involve taking prescribed medication, monitoring glucose levels, and following a balanced diet.
2. Improved Circulation
Regular exercise can enhance circulation, ensuring hair follicles receive the nutrients they need. Aerobic activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling can be particularly beneficial.
3. Stress Management
Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga can help manage stress levels, reducing its impact on hair health and reducing hair loss. Read how stress affects hair loss.
4. Dietary Changes
A nutrient-rich diet can support hair growth. Include foods high in vitamins A, C, D, and E, as well as iron, zinc, and biotin. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, nuts, and seeds, also promote scalp health. Read more about the effect of diet on hair growth.
5. Diabetes Medications
Some diabetes medications may rarely cause hair loss as a side effect, but most support healthier hair by improving blood sugar control, circulation, and reducing inflammation. If you think your diabetes medications are causing hair loss, don’t stop taking them – but speak to your doctor to address these concerns and get appropriate treatment.
Medical Treatments for Hair Loss
In addition to lifestyle changes, there are several treatments for diabetes-related hair loss that can be explored with the guidance of a medical professional:
- Medications for Androgenetic Alopecia: May be prescribed to slow the progression of pattern hair loss.
- Growth Factor Treatments: Uses growth factors derived from your own blood to support hair regrowth.
- Scalp Mesotherapy Treatments: Scientifically designed to promote scalp and hair follicle health and encourage growth.
It’s always best to consult a hair loss doctor to determine the most suitable treatment for your condition.
Preventing Hair Loss with Diabetes
Preventing hair loss often starts with preventing diabetes complications. Here are some steps you can take:
- Monitor Blood Sugar Levels Regularly: Keeping your glucose levels within the recommended range can protect blood vessels and prevent complications.
- Stay Active: Physical activity can reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity.
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels, further limiting blood flow to hair follicles.
- Stay Hydrated: Adequate hydration supports overall health, including skin and hair.
- Address Scalp Health: Keep your scalp clean and moisturised to create an optimal environment for hair growth.
The Bigger Picture: Taking Action Early
The link between diabetes and hair loss highlights the importance of proactive health management. If you notice changes in your hair, it’s worth speaking to your doctor about changes in medical and lifestyle factors that can improve hair health, or see a hair loss clinic for medical hair growth treatments. While thinning hair can be distressing, it may also be an early sign of underlying health issues that need attention.
Supporting Your Hair and Health When You Have Diabetes
Diabetes is a far-reaching condition that impacts the body in ways we may not immediately associate with it, including hair health. From reduced circulation to hormonal imbalances, several factors can disrupt the natural hair growth cycle, leading to thinning or shedding. However, by managing blood sugar levels, making healthy lifestyle choices, and seeking professional advice, it’s possible to support both overall health and hair growth.
If you’re experiencing central scalp hair loss and living with diabetes, consider consulting a hair restoration doctor. Understanding the cause of your hair loss and exploring tailored treatments can help you take control and improve your hair’s health.
For advice and personalised hair loss solutions, contact us today to schedule a consultation at our hair loss clinic in Sydney or Melbourne. We specialise in diagnosing and treating hair loss in a discreet, professional environment, ensuring you get the care you need.
FAQs
Do diabetes medications cause hair loss or help prevent it?
Some diabetes medications may indirectly affect hair growth. For example, certain drugs might cause hair loss as a side effect, though this is uncommon. On the other hand, medications that help manage blood sugar levels can improve overall circulation and reduce inflammation, supporting healthier hair. If you suspect your diabetes medications are causing hair loss, do not stop taking them but be sure to consult your doctor for guidance and speak to our hair loss clinic in Melbourne or Sydney for appropriate treatment.
Is hair loss from diabetes reversible?
In many cases, diabetes-related hair loss can be improved or slowed by managing blood sugar levels, adopting a healthy lifestyle, supporting your immune system, and using medical treatments. While complete reversal may not always be possible, hair growth treatments like prescription medications, growth factor treatments, scalp mesotherapy, and dietary changes can support hair regrowth. Speaking to a hair loss doctor can help determine the best approach for your situation.
Are there specific treatments for diabetes-related hair loss?
Yes, treatments include topical treatments, medications for androgenetic alopecia, scalp mesotherapy, and growth factor treatments. These options stimulate hair follicles and encourage regrowth. It’s essential to consult a hair restoration specialist who can tailor treatments to your needs while considering your diabetes management plan.
When should I see a hair loss clinic doctor about hair loss and diabetes?
You should see a doctor if you notice sudden or significant hair loss, patchy bald spots, or slow regrowth, especially central scalp hair loss. These could indicate complications from diabetes or an underlying condition like alopecia areata. Early medical advice and a medical hair and scalp analysis can help diagnose the cause and develop a treatment plan to protect your hair and overall health.
About The Author
Dr. Ossman Ashraf
In 2009, Dr Oz graduated from the University of Dundee, UK with a qualification in Men’s Health and Aesthetic Medicine. He then furthered his qualifications in medical education and is currently the Medical Advisor/Educator for MOSH, Australia’s leading online Men’s Health platform. He is accredited by the London Hair Restoration Academy and specialises in using the most up-to-date micro FUE extraction and DHI implantation techniques for transplant surgery.
Hussein B
After years of research, calling and consulting with different hair transplant surgeons across Sydney, I can definitely say Hair Doctors Australia is the best in the business. If you’re after qualified hair transplant surgeons who actually put their patients best interests first, look no further.
Samuel Levi
From the first initial consult, to my first day of surgery I can not highly recommend the team here at the Bondi clinic enough. So professional, and friendly, plus answered every question and worry I had, that was running through my mind. It made the entire process seamless. I’ll be recommending them whole heartedly to anyone who was in a similar situation to me, and wanting a hair transplant.
