Does Diabetes Cause Hair Loss?

If you have diabetes and notice you’re losing an abnormal amount of hair, it is possible that high blood sugar levels are a cause. Diabetes can affect every part of the body, including the blood vessels that supply your hair follicles, potentially leading to excessive hair loss. Diabetes is also linked to a number of other risk factors for hair loss, including autoimmune conditions and hormonal imbalances.

“Our hair all goes through a natural shedding cycle,” says Samantha Venkatesh, MD, a dermatologist with Rush Medical Group in Chicago.

Hair loss, on the other hand, occurs when something prevents your hair from growing. Hair loss can be temporary or permanent, and there are a large number of potential causes, some of which are associated with diabetes complications and treatment.

Beyond just seeing more strands in the shower drain, here are other signs that hair loss is more serious:

• A visibly receding hairline
• Bald patches
• A widening center or side part in the hair
• Hair falling out in clumps
• A noticeable reduction in hair thickness or density

Researchers aren't certain that diabetes and high blood sugar levels directly cause hair loss, says Dr. Venkatesh. But type 1 and type 2 diabetes are both associated with a variety of known hair loss risk factors.

Poor Blood Circulation

“If there is less blood flow to the scalp, this, in theory, could decrease the ability for hair to grow,” says Venkatesh.

The Diabetes-Autoimmune Relationship

Diabetes Medications

GLP-1 agonists are one class of medications that help manage blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide, also known by its brand name Ozempic, is widely prescribed and has generated many reports of hair loss.

“I have seen hair loss in patients who are on these medications,” says Hannah B. Kopelman, DO, a hair restoration surgeon and dermatologist at Kopelman Hair Restoration in New York City.

“When the body is in a healthier state with more controlled insulin, I’ve seen people’s hair become thicker and grow better,” says Kopelman.

Thyroid Issues

Iron Deficiency

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Stress

“Stress can definitely contribute to hair shedding,” says Venkatesh.

There are many ways to help slow or stop the progression of hair loss.

See a Healthcare Professional Right Away

Speaking to a doctor, ideally a board-certified dermatologist, can help you determine if the hair loss you notice falls into the range of normal, or if there may be an underlying health issue. If you have bald patches or an unexplained reduction in hair density, early screening tests may help identify the root cause and get preventive measures quickly in place.

Treatments can take 6 to 12 months to work. “If we can catch it earlier, then we can be more helpful with treatment,” says Venkatesh. Kopelman concurs: “Addressing it sooner can also help you preserve the hair you have and slow down the progression of hair loss.”

Medications

There are many medications approved to treat hair loss. Kopelman typically chooses from three medications, which she says are safe for people with diabetes:

• minoxidil (Rogaine) for both men and women
• finasteride (Propecia) for male pattern baldness
• dutasteride (Avodart) for male hair loss

“Minoxidil helps with hormonal hair loss, and it also increases blood flow to increase the growth of hair and the diameter of hair,” says Venkatesh.

Venkatesh recommends the 5 percent minoxidil for both men and women. It will need to be applied on the scalp once a day for women and twice a day for men for at least six months before improvements are seen.

Dietary Supplements

It is possible that dietary supplements could help address these deficiencies. Kopelman says that she will run labs to check vitamin D, B12, zinc, and iron levels in her patients.

Other Solutions

A more direct approach is to adapt your look to hide hair loss. If the loss is significant, experiment with wigs, scarves, and hats to camouflage hair loss. A new haircut or hairstyle could help, as well as clip-in extensions.

Other treatment options to permanent balding or excessive hair shedding include:

• Microneedling, which applies tiny needles on the scalp to stimulate hair growth
• Hair transplant surgery, which is when hair is moved from a thicker area of the scalp to a thinner one
• Low-level laser therapy, which stimulates hair follicles and prolongs their growth phase

• Diabetes may cause hair loss due to poor blood circulation, hormonal imbalances, autoimmune issues, or medications. But more research is needed to establish a stronger connection.
• If you’re experiencing unusual hair loss, it's crucial to speak with a healthcare provider, ideally a dermatologist, to help determine its cause and explore treatment options.
• Hair loss can be slowed or stopped with prescription medications, over the counter solutions, and dietary supplements. Managing stress and improving blood sugar management might also help manage hair loss associated with diabetes and improve overall health.