Does Diabetes Cause Hair Loss? Understanding the Connection
Hair loss can feel unsettling — especially if you’re already living with a health condition like diabetes. If you’ve noticed more shedding in the shower or thinning around your scalp, you might wonder: does diabetes cause hair loss?
The short answer: yes, diabetes can contribute to hair loss, but it’s usually not the only factor. High blood sugar, circulation issues, stress, and even medications can all affect your hair growth cycle. The good news is that there are ways to manage it, protect your hair, and support healthy regrowth.
In this article, you’ll learn how diabetes impacts your hair and scalp, the most common causes of diabetes-related hair loss, and the signs to watch for that may indicate when to seek medical help. You’ll also discover simple strategies to support hair health, along with clear answers to frequently asked questions.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that changes how your body processes glucose (sugar). Normally, insulin helps move sugar from your blood into your cells, where it’s used for energy.
-
Type 1 diabetes: happens when your immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas.
-
Type 2 diabetes: develops when your body doesn’t use insulin properly (insulin resistance) or doesn’t make enough of it.
Over time, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels, nerves, and organs. That damage doesn’t just affect your heart or kidneys — it can also show up in your skin, scalp, and hair follicles.
How does normal hair growth work?
To understand how diabetes might affect hair, it helps to first review the normal hair growth cycle:
-
Anagen phase (growth phase):
-
Lasts 2–7 years
-
Around 85–90% of scalp hairs are in this phase at any time
-
Hair actively grows about 1 cm per month
-
Catagen phase (transition phase):
-
Lasts 2–3 weeks
-
Hair follicle shrinks and detaches from the blood supply
-
Telogen phase (resting phase):
-
Lasts 3–4 months
-
About 10–15% of hairs are in this stage
-
Hair eventually sheds naturally, and the cycle restarts
When this cycle is disrupted whether by illness, medication, or stress hair can fall out prematurely or fail to regrow properly. Diabetes is one of the conditions that can interrupt these phases, particularly the growth stage.
Can diabetes cause hair loss?
Yes. Diabetes doesn’t directly destroy hair follicles, but it creates conditions that make growth harder. These include:
1. Reduced blood circulation
High blood sugar can damage small blood vessels, which slows circulation. Without enough oxygen and nutrients reaching your scalp, hair follicles struggle to grow healthy hair.
2. Hormonal imbalances
Insulin resistance can raise androgen (male hormone) levels. In both men and women, this may trigger pattern-like thinning at the crown or hairline.
3. Autoimmune activity
If you have Type 1 diabetes, your risk of other autoimmune conditions is higher. One of them is alopecia areata, where the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing patchy bald spots.
4. Stress and inflammation
Managing a chronic illness can feel overwhelming. Stress hormones like cortisol can shift more hairs into the resting phase, leading to telogen effluvium (sudden shedding).
5. Medication side effects
Some diabetes treatments — or drugs used for blood pressure, cholesterol, or thyroid conditions — list hair loss as a side effect.
6. Nutrient deficiencies
Diabetes can affect nutrient absorption and increase your risk of low iron, vitamin D, zinc, or biotin — all essential for strong hair.
7. Skin and scalp infections
Higher blood sugar levels make you more prone to fungal or bacterial infections, which may interfere with scalp health and hair growth.
What types of hair loss are linked to diabetes?
Not all hair loss looks the same. Diabetes can lead to:
Diffuse thinning (telogen effluvium)
-
Even shedding across the scalp
-
Often triggered by illness, stress, or blood sugar changes
-
Usually temporary if addressed early
Patchy loss (alopecia areata)
-
Round bald patches on the scalp or body
-
Caused by autoimmune attack on follicles
-
More common in type 1 diabetes
Pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia)
-
Receding hairline or crown thinning in men
-
Widening part in women
-
Can be worsened by insulin resistance and hormone shifts
Slower regrowth
-
Even after normal shedding, hair may grow back more slowly
-
Reduced circulation plays a role
Does hair loss differ between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?
Yes, the underlying triggers can be different:
-
Type 1 diabetes: Hair loss often ties back to autoimmune activity (like alopecia areata). Shedding may be sudden and patchy.
-
Type 2 diabetes: Hair loss is more often linked to insulin resistance, circulation problems, and hormonal imbalances. Thinning tends to be gradual, similar to male- or female-pattern baldness.
What other conditions can play a role?
If you live with diabetes, you may also be managing conditions that make hair loss more likely:
-
Thyroid disorders: Both overactive and underactive thyroids can cause thinning.
-
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Linked to insulin resistance, PCOS often causes androgen-driven hair thinning in women.
-
Peripheral neuropathy: Nerve damage can reduce hair growth on arms, legs, and feet.
-
Nutritional deficiencies: Low iron, vitamin D, or protein can increase shedding.
How can you manage hair loss with diabetes?
While hair loss related to diabetes can be distressing, it is not always permanent. Addressing the root cause improves the chances of regrowth.
1. Optimize Blood Sugar Control
-
Follow a diabetes-friendly diet (high in fiber, low in refined carbs)
-
Take medications or insulin as prescribed
-
Monitor glucose regularly
-
Exercise consistently
Stable blood sugar reduces inflammation, protects blood vessels, and improves follicle health.
2. Improve Circulation
-
Regular physical activity (walking, swimming, cycling)
-
Massage the scalp to stimulate blood flow
-
Avoid smoking, which worsens circulation
3. Address Hormonal Issues
-
Screen for thyroid dysfunction
-
Treat PCOS if present
-
Discuss hormonal therapies with your provider
4. Correct Nutrient Deficiencies
-
Ensure adequate intake of protein, iron, zinc, vitamin D, and biotin
-
Consider supplements if recommended by a doctor
-
Eat nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens, eggs, lean meats, legumes, and nuts
5. Medical Treatments for Hair Loss
-
Minoxidil (Rogaine): Over-the-counter topical solution that stimulates growth
-
Finasteride (Propecia): Oral medication for men with pattern baldness
-
Corticosteroid injections: For alopecia areata
-
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: Experimental, but promising for stimulating follicles
6. Lifestyle and Stress Management
-
Practice stress-reducing activities such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing
-
Maintain consistent sleep routines
-
Seek counseling if hair loss causes significant emotional distress
7. Cosmetic and Supportive Options
-
Hairstyles that camouflage thinning
-
Wigs, hairpieces, or extensions
-
Scalp micropigmentation (tattooing tiny dots to mimic hair)
When should you see a doctor?
It’s a good idea to seek medical advice if:
-
You notice sudden or patchy hair loss
-
Hair loss occurs along with fatigue, weight changes, or irregular periods
-
Your scalp looks red, scaly, or painful
-
Blood sugar levels are difficult to control
A dermatologist can help identify the exact type of hair loss. Your endocrinologist may adjust your diabetes care plan to better support your hair health.
Can you prevent hair loss if you have diabetes?
While not every case is preventable, you can reduce your risk by:
-
Keeping blood sugar within target range
-
Eating a nutrient-rich diet
-
Protecting your hair from physical and chemical damage
-
Managing stress in healthy ways
-
Attending regular medical checkups
The bottom line
Diabetes can contribute to hair loss through poor circulation, hormonal changes, autoimmune activity, stress, and nutrient deficiencies. But hair loss isn’t inevitable. By controlling blood sugar, caring for your scalp, and seeking professional treatment, you can often slow shedding and encourage healthy regrowth.
If you’re concerned about hair loss, don’t ignore it. A conversation with your doctor or dermatologist can help you uncover the cause and build a care plan that supports both your hair and your overall health.
Support Your Blood Sugar Health with Ribbon Checkup
Ribbon Checkup helps you stay in tune with your body by offering simple, at-home metabolic health tests. Fast results, personalized insights—no appointment needed.
Try Ribbon Checkup today and take the guesswork out of managing your health.
Related resources
-
Understanding Your Blood Sugar Levels: What's Normal and What's Not
- Understanding Glucose in Urine: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
References
Fletcher, J. (2018, November 27). Does diabetes cause hair loss? Medicalnewstoday.com; Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323810
Hair Doctors, & Ashraf, D. O. (2025, February 17). Diabetes & Hair Loss | Does Sugar Cause Hair Loss? Hair Doctors. https://www.hairdoctors.com.au/blog/link-between-diabetes-and-hair-loss/?srsltid=AfmBOoqNbYjGuSGK18KDjeDIofXm8EAlKzweNveWB4mLOAlJTTZZ6gUm
Mehta, D. M., & Mehta, D. M. (2024, July 3). Can Diabetes Make Your Hair Fall Out? Causes and Solutions. Dr Malay Mehta. https://www.drmalaymehta.com/blog/can-diabetes-make-your-hair-fall-out/
Watson, S. (2015, June 10). Can Diabetes Cause Hair Loss? Healthline; Healthline Media. https://www.healthline.com/health/does-diabetes-cause-hair-loss
