Diabetes is a disease that strikes more and more people every day. Most people do not realize that thinning of the hair or hair loss is one of the early symptoms of diabetes. With early detection and treatment, hair loss as well as other complications can be avoided. There are many factors leading to the development of diabetes, including stress. Diabetes affects the body on every level and can cause excessive anxiety which is a well known contributor to hair loss.

Diabetes occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin to help the body metabolize carbohydrate. One issue face by individuals with diabetes is the increased potential for problems with their skin. This is due to poor blood circulation and elevated blood sugar levels. They are more susceptible bruising and injuries that are difficult to heal. The recovery rate for diabetics tends to be slow including hair re-growth. This in turn leads to a noticeable hair loss. In addition, diabetics are susceptible bacterial and fungal infections of the scalp which can promote hair loss as well.

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.

You may think hair loss is an unavoidable part of aging, but it can also be an early indication of diabetes onset. Take this simple warning sign seriously! Early diagnosis by your physician is an imperative first step toward treatment which can also help avoid further hair loss. Don't let lotions and conditioners take the place of professional evaluation and treatment. Hair loss may be your body's way to telling something serious is happening. Take a look in the mirror and act on what may be the simplest warning sign you'll get.