Although excessive sweating can have many different causes, some are related to diabetes.
The three types of problem sweating are:
Hyperhidrosis. This type of sweating is not necessarily caused by temperature or exercise.
Gustatory sweating. This type is caused by food and is limited to face and neck areas.
Night sweats. These are caused by low blood glucose during the night.
Treatment depends on the type of sweating you have. Your doctor will advocate the most effective treatment to assist relieve or stop your excessive sweating.
Also, since profuse sweating can be a sign of other more serious conditions, you should always see a doctor to determine the underlying cause.
Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a term for excessive sweating that isn’t always from exercising or warm temperature. Technically, primary hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that has no known underlying cause.
Secondary hyperhidrosis, also called diaphoresis, is the term for excessive sweating that’s a symptom or side effect of something else.
If you have diabetes and, along with sweating, you have bladder control problems or an unusual heart rate, it could indicate autonomic neuropathy. This is caused by injury to the nerves that management functions just like the bladder, blood pressure, and sweating.
Excessive sweating can also occur with obesity, which often accompanies diabetes. It can also be a side effect of a variety of medications, including some prescribed for diabetes.
Gustatory sweating
Gustatory sweating is sweating in response to food or eating. While it’s common to break a sweat while eating spicy food, certain conditions increase this reaction. Autonomic neuropathy can be the underlying cause.
People with diabetic autonomic neuropathy or diabetic nephropathy are more likely to experience gustatory sweating than those without these conditions. If you sweat profusely in your head and neck region when you eat or drink, you’re experiencing gustatory sweating. It can also occur just by thinking about or smelling food.
Night sweats
Night sweats are often caused by low blood glucose, which can occur in people taking insulin or diabetes medications known as sulfonylureas. When your blood glucose drops too low, you produce excess adrenaline, which causes sweating.
Once your blood glucose returns to normal, the sweating should stop. Night sweats can have causes unrelated to diabetes, too, such as menopause.
Many factors can contribute to night sweats. These include:
exercising too close to bedtime
certain types of insulin taken in the evening
drinking alcohol in the evening
Blood glucose management is that the best thanks to manage night sweats caused by low blood sugar. Sometimes, simply adjusting your exercise time or eating a snack before bed can help. Your doctor can help you alter your diet, exercise, or medications to reduce or eliminate night sweats.
Treatment of excessive sweating
Treating excessive sweating usually requires medications. These may come with side effects and varying levels of effectiveness. Most are topical or pills, but Botox (botulinum toxin injection) is often used.
Medications
nerve blocking medication
prescription antiperspirant or creams
Botox injections
antidepressants
Procedures
sweat gland removal, for issues in armpits only
iontophoresis, treatment with an electrical current
nerve surgery, only if other treatment has not helped
Lifestyle changes
wear clothing (including socks) made of natural materials
bathe daily and use antiperspirant
apply an astringent to the area
change socks often and keep your feet dry
choose clothes that match your activity
try relaxation techniques to reduce stress-related sweating
When to see your doctor
You should talk to your doctor if:
excessive sweating is interrupting your daily routine
sweating is causing you emotional or social distress
you suddenly begin to sweat more than usual
you experience night sweats for no obvious reason
Excessive sweating is a symptom of a lot of serious problems, such as:
heart attack
some cancers
nervous system disorder
infection
thyroid disorder
You should see your doctor right away if you expertise the subsequent symptoms along side excessive sweating. These may be signs of something more serious:
temperature of 104°F or higher
chills
chest pain
lightheadedness
nausea
Your doctor may make a diagnosis based on your history and a physical exam. Diagnosing may also require applying substances to the skin to make small amounts of sweat appear, or tests to detect other disorders.
Takeaway
While excessive sweating can occur in anyone, some causes are directly related to diabetes. It’s important to see a doctor and find the underlying cause. People who sweat profusely are more prone to skin infections and can experience emotional and social distress from embarrassment.
Excessive sweating also can be a sign of a more serious condition. If you’re having problems with abnormal sweating, talk to your doctor. Several medications, and combination treatments, are available and can be effective in getting excessive sweating under control.
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