According to the American Diabetes Association, an estimated 30 million people in the United States are diabetic.

There are two types of diabetes and the second one is much more prevalent than the first. Type 1 diabetes occurs when a person’s immune system destroys the cells in their pancreas that make insulin. Type 2 diabetes occurs when a person has insulin resistance, meaning their bodies make insulin, but their cells can’t use it as well as they should. Insulin is a hormone that helps balance your blood glucose (sugar) levels and it enables your body to absorb glucose and use it for energy. When your body doesn’t use insulin optimally, or when your body doesn’t make enough insulin, diabetes occurs.

HOW DOES DIABETES AFFECT MY HAIR GROWTH?

High levels of blood sugar can damage organs all over your body, including your kidneys, eyes, nerves, and even your blood vessels. These vessels carry oxygen-rich blood throughout your body to feed your tissues and organs. Damaged blood vessels may not be able to deliver enough oxygen to nourish your hair follicles, interrupting your hair’s growth cycle and slowing it down.

Diabetics may also suffer from a hair loss condition called alopecia areata, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, resulting in round patches of hair loss. This autoimmune-related disorder may cause a loss of hair on the scalp, face and other parts of the body. The hair usually grows back, but may fall out again as alopecia areata can be unpredictabl

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT MY HAIR LOSS?

It’s important for your overall health and the health of your hair to eat a balanced diet rich in nutrients. Consuming foods with protein, iron and essential fatty acids is vital to maintaining healthy hair. In addition, try to exercise at least three times a week to reduce stress and improve circulation throughout your body, which can also help bring blood to your hair follicles.

Managing diabetes is stressful enough without having to deal with hair loss on top of it. The good news is you don’t have to live with hair loss. Talk to your doctor about any diabetes questions you have and make an appointment with one of our hair loss experts to find out how we can help you get your hair back.

Since 1976, Hair Club has helped more than 600,000 men and women restore their hair and transform their lives. Contact a center near you to schedule your free, private consultation. Learn which of our proven hair loss solutions is right for you and discover for yourself just how powerful restoring your hair can be!

For informational purposes only. The exact cause of hair loss can only be determined by a medical professional.