What causes a diabetic to sweat profusely?

As an expert in the field of endocrinology, I can provide an insightful explanation on why a diabetic individual might experience profuse sweating. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period. This condition can lead to various complications, and one of them can be excessive sweating, which is medically referred to as hyperhidrosis. There are several factors that can contribute to this symptom in diabetic patients: 1. Blood Sugar Fluctuations: One of the primary reasons for excessive sweating in diabetics is the fluctuation in blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels drop too low, a condition known as hypoglycemia, the body may respond by releasing stress hormones like adrenaline. This can stimulate the sweat glands, leading to sweating. 2. Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction: Diabetic autonomic neuropathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. Dysfunction in this system can lead to hyperhidrosis. 3. Gustatory Sweating: This is a specific type of hyperhidrosis where sweating is triggered by eating, and it's often limited to the face and neck areas. It's thought to be due to nerve damage caused by diabetes. 4. Infection and Insulin Reaction: In some cases, diabetics may sweat excessively due to an infection or a reaction to insulin, which can cause systemic symptoms including sweating. 5. Medication Side Effects: Certain medications used to treat diabetes, such as insulin or other blood sugar-lowering drugs, can cause sweating as a side effect. 6. Night Sweats: Diabetics may also experience night sweats, which are often a result of low blood glucose levels during the night, a condition known as nocturnal hypoglycemia. 7. Other Medical Conditions: It's important to note that excessive sweating can also be a symptom of other underlying health conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, heart disease, or certain cancers, which may coexist with diabetes. 8. Stress and Anxiety: Psychological factors like stress and anxiety can exacerbate sweating in diabetics, as the body's fight-or-flight response can activate sweat glands. 9. Hormonal Imbalances: Hormonal changes can affect the body's temperature regulation and lead to increased sweating. 10. Physical Activity: While not unique to diabetics, physical exertion without proper glycemic control can result in excessive sweating as the body tries to cool down. It's crucial for diabetic patients to monitor their blood sugar levels closely and maintain them within a target range to minimize the risk of complications like hyperhidrosis. Regular check-ups with healthcare providers, medication management, and lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise are all essential components of diabetes care. Diabetic patients experiencing excessive sweating should consult with their healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment may include adjusting diabetes medications, managing stress, or addressing any coexisting conditions that could be contributing to the symptom.

Diabetes and Excessive Sweating. ... hyperhidrosis: excessive sweating not caused by temperature or exercise. gustatory sweating: caused by food and limited to face and neck areas. night sweats: caused by low blood glucose during the night.Mar 7, 2016