Diabetes And Hair Transplants: What Do You Need to Know?

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that impacts glucose levels and various bodily functions. From the cardiovascular to the nervous system, diabetes can have a huge impact on somebody’s overall health.¹

One potentially overlooked aspect of diabetes is that it can also cause hair loss.² 

While the link between diabetes and hair loss is complex and multifaceted, several hair restoration techniques are available to reduce the effects of hair loss. 

Hair transplants, for example, are often touted as a safe and successful way of restoring confidence to diabetic patients experiencing hair loss. But what exactly is involved in the procedure? And why does diabetes cause hair loss in the first place?

Diabetes and hair loss: causes and mechanisms

The relationship between diabetes and hair loss is rooted in many key factors, including compromised blood circulation, hormonal imbalances and inflammation. 

Damaged blood vessels

Having a high blood glucose level will often result in impaired blood circulation due to the damage it can cause to blood vessels. 

When blood vessels become damaged in this way, they fail to provide hair follicles with enough nutrients and oxygen. Over time, these hair follicles then weaken, leading to thinner hair that is more likely to shed.³

Hormonal imbalance

Insulin resistance, a hallmark of diabetes, can also cause changes to hormone levels. Balanced levels of insulin, androgens (male sex hormones) and oestrogen (female sex hormones) are necessary for healthy hair growth.⁴

However, when you have diabetes, androgen levels can become elevated and lead to the potential shrinking of hair follicles. This can then result in hair loss. 

Inflammation

Sustained levels of high blood glucose can lead to inflammation – one part of the body’s natural defence mechanism against harmful stimuli. 

Over time, inflammation can impact the normal growth cycle of hair follicles and cause them to shrink. These smaller hair follicles may then struggle to produce visible hair, leading to thinning and eventual hair loss. 

Hair transplantation as a viable solution for diabetic individuals

Hair transplants offer numerous benefits to people with diabetes experiencing hair loss. 

While each person’s situation will inevitably be unique to their own situation, there are some overarching advantages that hair transplants can offer people with diabetes. These include: 

• Boosted self-esteem – restoring the natural hairline or thinning patches can increase levels of self-confidence and improve mental health.
• Long-term solution – hair transplants can provide a potentially permanent solution to hair loss.
• Personalised approach – hair transplant specialists will tailor the treatment to ensure it meets your needs.
• Minimally invasive techniques – modern techniques, such as follicular unit excision (FUE), are less invasive and decrease the risk of potential complications. 
• Natural-looking results – the results of a hair transplant can look much more realistic and natural than a hairpiece. 
• Minimal disruption to diabetes management – modern hair transplant techniques mean there will be minimal disruption to necessary diabetes management.

Considerations and precautions before hair transplantation

Diabetes is a complex condition that requires careful management when considering any type of procedure. 

Therefore, if you have diabetes, it is crucial to consult with a medical professional before undergoing a hair transplant. This will help ensure that: 

• Your health is taken into consideration including assessing your long term glucose management with a recent HBA1c measurement
• A risk assessment will be carried out to ensure you are a suitable candidate
• Medications can be adjusted before the procedure if necessary

Tailored post-procedure care advice will be provided⁵

Potential risks and complications

As with any type of surgical procedure, diabetics need to be aware of the potential risks and complications that hair transplants can bring. These can include: 

• Delayed wound healing — having diabetes could slow down the body’s ability to heal.
• Infections — having uncontrolled diabetes increases the risk of having an infection
• Blood glucose fluctuations — the stress of surgery and healing can impact blood glucose levels, meaning they’ll need to be carefully monitored pre, during and post surgery. 
• Decreased graft survival — more common in uncontrolled diabetes, but can occur in controlled diabetes as well.⁶

Steps to ensure a safe hair transplant

To ensure the procedure is safe for people with diabetes, it is important to consult with your hair transplant surgeon who may also suggest speaking with your GP or Endocrinologist too. They will then be able to determine your eligibility for the procedure based on your overall health and diabetes management. 

You will need to ensure your blood glucose levels are well managed prior to your hair transplant and follow any recommendations from your doctor on adjusting your medications. This will help reduce any risk of complications. 

It’s also important to seek a highly skilled, reputable surgeon with experience working with diabetic patients. After the hair transplant has been completed, you’ll then need to follow any aftercare advice provided and attend any follow-up appointments. 

Choosing the right clinic for hair transplantation

Choosing the right clinic for a hair transplant when you have diabetes is extremely important. 

It’s crucial to find a clinic with: 

• Experience and expertise in treating patients with diabetes
• Reviews and testimonials from other patients
• Before and after photos
• Accreditations and certifications
• High-quality equipment
• A thorough consultation process
• Customised treatment plans
• Price transparency
• An experienced full medical team
• Integrity
• Realistic expectations and results 

Taking the time to thoroughly research a clinic will ensure an informed decision can be made, increasing the overall likelihood of a successful procedure. 

FAQs about hair transplantation for diabetes patients

Here at The Treatment Rooms London, we often get asked a number of questions about hair loss and hair transplant procedures for people with diabetes. Here are some of the most common.  

Can diabetes cause permanent hair loss?

Diabetes can cause hair loss, but regrowth can be possible when blood glucose levels are controlled and with the help of a hair transplant.⁷  

What are the risks of getting a hair transplant with diabetes?

Some of the most common risks include an increased risk of infection due to slow-healing wounds from uncontrolled high glucose levels.

Are there specific hair transplant techniques suitable for diabetic individuals?

FUE hair transplants are considered better for diabetics because they are minimally invasive and therefore reduce the risk of complications.  

How do I prepare for a hair transplant if I have diabetes?

Speak with your doctor to ensure it’s safe for you to have one and discuss any medication adjustments. Also, speak with your hair transplant surgeon to make them aware of your condition. Often you should take your Insulin as normal and bring your rapid-acting Insulin with you to use during the day of surgery if required. 

Are there natural remedies to regrow hair for diabetes patients?

Natural remedies do not have much scientific research to back them up. However, this doesn’t mean some people don’t see some minor results from them. They just aren’t a reliable treatment for hair loss in diabetics and may not provide guaranteed results.  

Can uncontrolled blood sugar levels worsen hair loss?

Yes. When diabetes is uncontrolled, organs, tissue and blood vessels can all become damaged. This damage can then impact hair follicle growth, resulting in hair thinning and loss.  

Are there any dietary changes that can help improve hair health for people with diabetes?

Eating a healthy diet rich in nutritional value can improve hair health for people with diabetes. Eating well can also help manage diabetes, boosting the health and growth of hair.

Does insulin treatment affect hair growth in diabetes patients?

No. Changes in hair growth are not a typical side effect of insulin treatment.

Can stress from diabetes contribute to hair loss, and how can it be managed?

Yes, stress can contribute to hair loss in diabetics. However, hair loss caused by stress can be managed by implementing mindfulness techniques such as meditation, deep-breathing exercises, yoga and partaking in hobbies you enjoy.

Lifestyle and self-care tips for maintaining healthy hair with diabetes

Diet and exercise are key when promoting hair health with diabetes. Some of the key nutrients to incorporate into your diet include:

• Protein – found in meats, beans, lentils and tofu
• Omega-3 fatty acids – found in fatty fish like salmon, flaxseeds and walnuts
• Vitamin A, C and E – found in leafy green vegetables, tomatoes, peppers, citrus fruits, nuts and seeds
• Minerals like zinc and biotin – found in beans, nuts, red meat, eggs and dairy 
• Iron – found in red meat, beans, whole grains and leafy green vegetables

It’s also important to stay well-hydrated and exercise regularly. Exercising boosts blood circulation and enables more nutrients and oxygen to be carried to the scalp. This can then promote healthy hair growth.⁸

Managing stress and blood glucose levels

Stress can contribute to hair loss, so managing it effectively is crucial. Here are some of the most effective methods to manage stress when trying to prioritise your hair health: 

• Exercise regularly
• Prioritise sleep and rest
• Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques like meditation
• Engage in activities that bring joy such as hobbies or being around loved ones

Managing blood glucose levels by eating balanced meals, regularly monitoring your level and avoiding any high-sugar foods is crucial. This is because eating well and managing your condition will help reduce any added feelings of stress, which encourages healthy hair growth. 

Book a consultation with The Treatment Rooms London

Having diabetes not only results in significant follicle damage but, over time, can also lead to hair loss and a reduced level of self-esteem. Thankfully, however, our hair transplant surgeons can guide you through how surgery can help restore hair you have lost. 

Here at The Treatment Rooms London, our dedicated team understands the unique challenges that people with diabetes face. That’s why we are proud to offer a tailored service committed to your safety that provides excellent results. 

Book a consultation with The Treatment Rooms London and take control of your hair health.  

Sources

1. Healthline, Does Diabetes Cause Hair Loss?, Accessed August 2023, Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/does-diabetes-cause-hair-loss 
2. Kinoshita-Ise M, Fukuyama M, Ohyama M. Recent Advances in Understanding of the Etiopathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management of Hair Loss Diseases. J Clin Med. 2023 May 3;12(9):3259. doi: 10.3390/jcm12093259. PMID: 37176700; PMCID: PMC10179687. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10179687/ 
3. MedicalNewsToday, Does diabetes cause hair loss? Accessed August 2023, Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323810
4. MedicalNewsToday, Does diabetes cause hair loss? Accessed August 2023, Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323810
5. True RH. Is Every Patient of Hair Loss a Candidate for Hair Transplant?-Deciding Surgical Candidacy in Pattern Hair Loss. Indian J Plast Surg. 2021 Dec 20;54(4):435-440. doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1739247. PMID: 34984081; PMCID: PMC8719975. Accessed August 2023 Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8719975/ 
6. True RH. Is Every Patient of Hair Loss a Candidate for Hair Transplant?-Deciding Surgical Candidacy in Pattern Hair Loss. Indian J Plast Surg. 2021 Dec 20;54(4):435-440. doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1739247. PMID: 34984081; PMCID: PMC8719975. Accessed August 2023 Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8719975/ 
7. MedicalNewsToday, Does diabetes cause hair loss? Accessed August 2023, Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323810
8. MedicalNewsToday, Does diabetes cause hair loss? Accessed August 2023, Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323810