Sweating in diabetes may result from low blood sugar levels, nerve damage, or medication side effects. Diabetes overall management and antiperspirant medications may help.
Sweating is a natural and necessary bodily function. It helps regulate your body temperature and may help excrete toxins. Your body may sweat in response to triggers like physical activity, stress, or increased heat.
Sometimes, sweating can become excessive or occur unexpectedly. This can be the case for some people with diabetes.
Although excessive sweating is not dangerous per se, it may cause you discomfort. You can work with a healthcare professional to manage diabetic sweating and prevent it from worsening.
Can diabetes cause excessive sweating?
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Excessive sweating, clinically known as hyperhidrosis, may indeed be linked to diabetes.
It can manifest with any type of diabetes, including:
The severity, timing, and location of sweating may vary, ranging from whole-body sweating to sweating on your hands, feet, or underarms.
Here are some potential causes of increased sweating in individuals with diabetes:
Hypoglycemia: A small 2015 study of 16 people with type 1 diabetes noted that low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is often associated with increased generalized sweating.
Autonomic neuropathy: Long-term untreated diabetes may damage the autonomic nervous system leading to autonomic neuropathy. Neuropathy refers to nerve damage. The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary bodily functions. According to a 2022 review, autonomic neuropathy may result in excessive sweating in some people.
Medications: Some diabetes medications may cause hypoglycemia, particularly if the dosage or timing of use is not right for you. If you sweat after taking diabetes medication, let your healthcare professional know. They can explore if your medication regimen may need adjustment.
Vasodilation: A review from 2016 explained that both type 1 and type 2 diabetes may impair your body’s ability to open the blood vessels (vasodilation), which makes it harder for your body to cool down. This may contribute to increased sweating.
While some people with diabetes deal with excessive sweating, others may have the opposite problem. The 2016 review and 2022 review referenced above indicate that people with diabetes may also experience a lack of sweating (anhidrosis) even in the presence of increased heat and activity levels.
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Monitor your blood sugar: Check your blood sugar levels regularly to identify and address fluctuations before they cause symptoms.
Enjoy a balanced diet: Follow a well-balanced diet that includes lean proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and nuts and seeds. This may help prevent sudden changes in blood sugar levels.
Take medications as instructed: If you’re taking diabetes medications, follow your prescribed regimen. If you need a change, get your healthcare professional involved.
Exercise: Regular physical activity may help you manage diabetes and limit blood sugar changes and associated effects.
Choose loose, natural fabric clothing
The type of clothing you wear may affect your comfort level and the severity of the sweating.
Opt for light, loose-fitting clothing made from natural, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen.
On the other hand, avoid dark, tight, and synthetic clothing items, as these can promote sweating.
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Over-the-counter (OTC) antiperspirant products may limit localized sweating on your armpits, hands, or feet. You may find these in most well-stocked supermarkets and pharmacies.
You can also ask a doctor for prescription-strength antiperspirants.
Keep in mind that antiperspirants do not address the root cause of sweating but instead block sweat glands. Your body may need to sweat. Discussing the issue with your healthcare professional is highly encouraged.
Stress management
A 2016 review explains that stress may trigger or worsen sweating in some people.
Although more research is needed, a 2017 article suggests that stress-reduction techniques may sometimes reduce sweating as well.
If you are curious to give this a go, consider stress management techniques like:
A 2023 medical article suggests these medical treatments for excessive sweating:
Topical aluminum chloride: Works by changing keratin, a protein in your skin, and by blocking sweat glands. It is generally effective but may only work in the short term. It can also cause skin irritation.
Oral anticholinergic medication: A doctor may recommend this if topical treatment does not work for you. Side effects include constipation and dry eyes and mouth.
Botulinum toxin A injections: Botox injections work by cutting a protein called SNAP-25. This stops acetylcholine, a chemical messenger, from being released from nerve endings, which may reduce sweating. Although it can be effective, it does not work on the entire body, and it can be expensive.
Sympathectomy: This is a surgery that removes ganglia, specific nerve clusters responsible for regulating sweat production, in different areas of the body. It can work well for severe cases of excessive sweating, but is invasive and may cause a range of side effects.
Diabetes treatment
Alongside lifestyle changes like increased physical activity, eating a balanced diet, and quitting tobacco use, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests these medications and insulin treatments, including:
A healthcare professional can work with you in creating a treatment plan for your type of diabetes, lifestyle, and overall health.
If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.
Summary
Some, but not all, individuals with diabetes experience excessive sweating.
You may be able to prevent or reduce it by managing your blood sugar levels, wearing loose clothing, using antiperspirants, trying stress reduction techniques, and starting medical treatment.
If you experience persistent or severe sweating with diabetes, a doctor can provide personalized guidance.
Koivikko M, et al. (2015). Effect of controlled hypoglycaemia on sympathetic skin response in patients with Type 1 diabetes and control subjects. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25346161/
