Diabetes and Hair Loss

Hello Dr. Rassman and thank you for taking the time to answer my question.

I am a 16 (almost 17) year old male and I am experiencing hair loss on the temple of my head. My father is near bald and has just surpassed 50 years of age. I read on the internet that uncontrolled diabetes can also affect hair loss and because my mother has diabetes I have wondered whether I also have diabetes, hence the reason for my hair loss. None of my grandparents were bald, although they had a receding hairline. I also recognize that I am at Norwood II. I am wondering if my hair loss is permanent or not?

Diabetes is not a cause of hair loss, but genetics certainly are and if the genetics are there, the stress of diabetes may accelerate the genetic patterned hair loss. If the diabetes is out of control, then clearly it can cause hair loss as well. You should confirm if you have diabetes, easily done through your family doctor.

If a diagnosis of male pattern balding is confirmed, then finasteride (brand name Propecia) is the best approach to preventing or slowing down any genetic hair loss process. Even a Class II patient in their 20s may be thinning from genetic causes. Early, aggressive treatment is the best prevention at any age.