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Diabetes is an ailment that afflicts increasing numbers of people every day. Many do not recognize that the loss or thinning of hair can be a symptom of the onset of diabetes. However, if detected early enough, diabetes is a manageable disease that need not result in hair loss or other complications. Many things, including stress, can lead to the onset of diabetes. It is a disease that affects the body on every level, which may include the anxiety attacks that contribute to balding.

Diabetes is a disorder of metabolizing carbohydrates, resulting in an elevated blood glucose level. One of the consequences is poor peripheral blood circulation. These two problems combined lead to an increased risk of skin and hair problems for people with diabetes. Diabetics are much more susceptible to bruises, and even minor injuries are slower and more difficult to heal. This slower healing includes hair re-growth. Consequently, hair loss tends to be noticeable for diabetics. Additionally, scalp infections are more likely, which can cause further hair loss.

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.