Is excessive sweating a symptom of diabetes?

Written by Yang Li
Endocrinology
Updated on September 23, 2024
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Diabetes typically presents with symptoms of polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, and weight loss, commonly known as the "three excesses and one deficiency." However, diabetic patients often have accompanying autonomic dysfunctions or peripheral neuropathy, which can also lead to excessive sweating. Clinically, it is observed that some patients might sweat excessively in specific areas. For instance, some might report excessive forehead sweating or localized sweating on certain body parts, or even unilateral sweating. In such cases, it is necessary to consider whether the symptoms might be a complication of diabetes. To diagnose this, one should firstly conduct diagnostic tests for diabetes, such as the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), to determine if the blood glucose levels meet the diagnostic criteria for diabetes. Additionally, it is important to perform electromyography to check for any neuropathic complications that might affect nerve conduction velocities. This helps in determining whether excessive sweating is a specific symptom of diabetes. However, not all cases of hyperhidrosis are specific to diabetes; other conditions, such as hyperthyroidism (thyrotoxicosis), can also cause excessive sweating and should be considered.

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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What is excessive sweating and night sweats?

The causes of excessive sweating and night sweats are often considered to be due to a relatively weak constitution or frequent staying up late. Other possible reasons might include frequent sexual activities, which can also lead to excessive sweating and night sweats. Therefore, it is initially necessary to use Chinese medicine for conditioning, which can bring about significant improvement. Mainly, medicines that boost qi and nourish yin, such as ginseng and longan, are used. These can effectively replenish yang and qi and provide effective conditioning. In terms of diet, drinking more plain water can also help alleviate gastrointestinal digestion. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Xia Min
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Is excessive sweating due to qi deficiency?

In clinical practice, it is common to see that qi deficiency often leads to excessive sweating, but does excessive sweating always indicate qi deficiency? Not necessarily. There are three reasons for excessive sweating: The first reason is qi deficiency, the second reason is damp-heat, and the third reason is yin deficiency. As you can see, excessive sweating is not always due to qi deficiency; it can also be due to yin deficiency or damp-heat. There is also a condition of excessive sweating due to congenitally active sweat glands, which is not caused by qi deficiency but is instead a hereditary factor. Therefore, excessive sweating is not necessarily always due to qi deficiency.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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The difference between hyperhidrosis and bromhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is generally a disease caused by one's own endocrine imbalance or hormonal levels. The most characteristic symptom of this disease is increased sweating, such as excessive sweating from the armpits, groin, or palms, especially after exercise or staying up late, but there is no abnormal odor. Bromhidrosis is a type of hereditary disease, characterized by excessive sweating from both armpits and a strong odor, which can start showing symptoms from puberty. Bromhidrosis cannot be completely eradicated, while hyperhidrosis can be cured through proper medical treatment. The most common treatment for bromhidrosis is surgical removal of the large sweat glands, which can reduce or alleviate the odor, but cannot eradicate it completely.

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Written by Zhang Jian Bo
Dermatology
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How is hyperhidrosis of the hands and feet treated?

The patient suffers from palmar-plantar hyperhidrosis, which can be treated using antiperspirants or botulinum toxin injections. Palmar-plantar hyperhidrosis is primarily about controlling sweat secretion and is caused by a disorder in the sympathetic nervous system function. In treatment, antiperspirants used mainly contain aluminum salt compounds, such as 20% aluminum chloride. It should be used according to the doctor's instructions, every three to five days. Typically, dryness and flaking of the skin occur after using the medication, and timely skin care is necessary. Botulinum toxin injections can also be used to treat palmar-plantar hyperhidrosis. Botulinum toxin can inhibit the action of acetylcholine at local nerve endings, which also has a therapeutic effect on local hyperhidrosis. Moreover, the effect lasts relatively long, maintaining about six months.

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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What vitamin is lacking in excessive sweating?

Excessive sweating generally occurs and is mostly considered to be caused by a lack of trace elements, such as a deficiency in zinc or calcium. Effective conditioning can initially be achieved through calcium supplementation, for instance, by consuming more foods and fruits like eggs, fish, lean meat, shrimp, rib soup, egg soup, Chinese cabbage, leafy greens, bananas, grapefruits, and oranges. These can greatly help replenish the calcium the body is lacking and contain trace elements that can lead to significant improvements. Regular physical exercise is also necessary, as it can increase the body's resistance and effectively prevent diseases.