Noticing your hair thinning or falling out more than usual, and you’re also dealing with diabetes? You’re not imagining things. According to a 2019 review in the International Journal of Trichology, people with diabetes are more likely to experience hair loss due to poor blood sugar control, stress on the body, and circulation issues. The connection is real. And frustrating.
So, does diabetes cause hair loss? It absolutely can. But the better question is: what can you do about it?
This guide breaks down exactly how to stop hair loss from diabetes, what works, what doesn’t, and where to focus your effort. Whether you’re dealing with Type 1 or Type 2, your hair can often bounce back if you take the right steps.
Why Diabetes and Hair Loss Go Hand in Hand
High blood sugar damages small blood vessels that feed hair follicles. It also throws your hormones out of balance and increases inflammation. All of this messes with your hair’s normal growth cycle. The result? Thinner hair, slow regrowth, or even bald patches.
Some people ask, will hair loss from diabetes grow back? In many cases, yes, but it depends on how well you manage your condition and whether you take action early. The sooner you address it, the better your chances of regrowth.
How to Stop Hair Loss From Diabetes?
Hair loss can be one of the more frustrating side effects of diabetes, but it’s not something you have to accept. With the right steps, you can slow it down, and in many cases, even reverse it.
1. Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check (Yes, Really)
This one’s non-negotiable. If your blood sugar stays high, your hair follicles can’t do their job. Blood vessels shrink, nutrients don’t get delivered, and hair just stops growing right.
Start tracking your blood glucose daily. Use a CGM (continuous glucose monitor) if you have access to one. Aim to stay within your target range as much as possible. Small improvements here make a big difference over time, not just for your hair, but for your overall health.
If your A1C is regularly over 7%, talk to your doctor about adjusting your treatment plan. Getting better control here can slow or even reverse diabetes-related hair loss.
2. Eat for Hair Growth
Food matters more than most people realize. Nutrient deficiencies are a major cause of hair loss in people with diabetes. Your body has a harder time absorbing what it needs when blood sugar isn’t well controlled.
Make sure you’re getting:
- Protein: Hair is made of keratin, a protein. If you’re not eating enough, your body prioritizes vital organs over hair. Go for lean meats, eggs, beans, and tofu.
- Iron: Low iron can lead to hair shedding. Add spinach, lentils, beef, and fortified cereals to your meals.
- Zinc: Helps with tissue repair, including your scalp and follicles. Nuts, seeds, and shellfish are great sources.
- Biotin: Biotin deficiency is rare but more common in diabetics. Eggs, salmon, and sweet potatoes help.
- Omega-3s: These fight inflammation and support skin health. Add in fatty fish like salmon or a high-quality fish oil supplement.
Don’t guess with supplements. If you think you’re deficient, get blood work done first.
3. Check Your Meds
Some medications used for diabetes or related conditions can cause or worsen hair loss. These include:
- Metformin (linked to B12 deficiency, which may impact hair)
- Statins
- Beta-blockers
- Antidepressants
If you started losing hair after a new prescription, it’s worth flagging to your doctor. Don’t stop any medication without guidance, but ask about alternatives or supportive supplements to reduce side effects.
4. Reduce Daily Stress (Yes, It Affects Your Hair)
Stress and diabetes create a vicious cycle. Chronic stress increases cortisol, which pushes more hair into the shedding phase. It also makes blood sugar harder to manage. You can’t always eliminate stress, but you can control how you respond to it.
Try:
- 10-minute walks after meals
- Mindfulness or breathwork apps
- Journaling before bed
- Sleep routines that help you wind down
Even a small daily habit can lower stress and support better blood sugar, and that’s good news for your hair.
5. Be Kind to Your Scalp
Your hair grows from your scalp. If it’s irritated or inflamed, growth slows. Diabetics often deal with dry skin or slower healing, and that applies to the scalp too.
Do this:
- Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo
- Avoid overwashing, 2 to 3 times a week is enough
- Massage your scalp with fingers or a soft brush to boost circulation
- Apply a few drops of coconut or argan oil weekly to lock in moisture
- Avoid tight hairstyles, hot tools, and chemical treatments while your hair’s in recovery mode.
6. Try Hair-Friendly Oils and Natural Boosters
Some natural ingredients have been shown to support hair regrowth, especially when combined with better diabetes control.
Options worth trying:
- Rosemary oil: Some studies suggest it may stimulate follicles as well as minoxidil. Dilute it with a carrier oil and use it 2-3 times a week.
- Peppermint oil: Can increase scalp blood flow, which is a win if you’re dealing with reduced circulation.
- Aloe vera: Soothes inflammation and hydrates the scalp.
You won’t see overnight results, but consistency helps. Always patch test new products to avoid irritation.
7. Get Your Thyroid Checked
Thyroid issues are common in people with diabetes, especially Type 1. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) is a known cause of hair thinning and shedding.
Symptoms to look out for:
- Cold intolerance
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Weight gain
- Dry skin
Ask your doctor to run a full thyroid panel, not just TSH. If your thyroid is off, treatment can help both your energy and your hair.
8. Consider Medical Treatments for Hair Loss
If you’ve nailed blood sugar, improved your diet, reduced stress, and your hair still isn’t recovering, it might be time to look at targeted hair treatments.
Talk to a dermatologist about:
- Topical minoxidil (Rogaine): It’s proven to support regrowth in both men and women.
- Corticosteroid injections: If autoimmune-related hair loss (like alopecia areata) is part of the picture.
- Low-level laser therapy (LLLT): FDA-approved for hair regrowth and can be done at home or in clinics.
None of these replace diabetes care, but they can speed up regrowth once your internal health is back on track.
9. Give It Time (and Track Progress)
Hair grows slowly, only about half an inch per month. Even with perfect care, it may take three to six months before you notice results. Take monthly pictures under the same lighting to track changes. Look for signs like less shedding in the shower or baby hairs along the hairline.
Stay consistent with your routines. Hair loss caused by diabetes doesn’t improve overnight, but many people do see regrowth once their body stabilizes.
When Diabetes Shows Up in Your Hair
Hair loss from diabetes isn’t just about what’s happening on your scalp, it’s a signal that your body needs better support. That makes it more than a cosmetic issue. It’s a reflection of how well your systems are working together. If you’ve been feeling discouraged, try shifting your focus: instead of only chasing hair regrowth, focus on getting your health in sync.
Hair responds to stability, balanced blood sugar, lower stress, consistent sleep, better nutrition. These changes aren’t always quick, but they’re real progress. Treat your hair like a health barometer, not just a beauty marker. Give it time, give it care, and your body will meet you halfway.