Diabetes is striking more and more people each day, and most do not realize that thinning hair is an early symptom of the disease. If detected and treated early, complications such as hair loss and other symptoms can be limited. Several factors lead to the onset of diabetes, including but not limited to stress factors. Diabetes can affect every part of the body, and be a major cause of stress, which is one of the most well known causes of hair loss.

Diabetes begins when the body becomes incapable of producing the insulin necessary for the metabolization of carbohydrates. One particular issue for individuals with diabetes is the increase in the possibility of skin problems due to poor circulation of the blood and the elevation of blood sugar levels. Sufferers of diabetes become more inclined to bruise, and their injuries take more time to heal, with their recovery time increasing in all aspects, including hair re-growth. This will cause a significant loss in hair. Additionally, those who suffer from diabetes are more susceptible to infections of both the bacterial type and fungal type in the scalp, further promoting the loss of hair.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. Among its symptoms are alopecia areata, which is characterized by small bald patches on the scalp, and the skin condition vitiligo, which involves the loss of pigment on skin in areas such as the hands, face, and genitalia. A variety of other serious health problems often occur alongside diabetes, such as thyroid dysfunction or pernicious anemia, which occurs when the stomach lining does not secrete enough of the enzymes needed to sufficiently absorb the B12 vitamin.

Patients and even their doctors often overlook or even ignore the early symptoms of diabetes. Because of this, it may go undetected for some time, and as a result the patient may go blind or suffer from kidney failure or heart disease. If diabetes is discovered in the early stages, the progress of the disease can be slowed or even halted by treatment. The patient can be saved from undue loss of hair, and live longer and healthier. Patients with diabetes must make a commitment to consistent lifestyle management if their disease is to be controlled.

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.