Type 2 Diabetes symptoms: The strange taste in your mouth that may be a sign of high blood sugar

From express.co.uk

DIABETES symptoms can often go unnoticed for long periods of time because you may not be feeling unusually ill. But, one of the key early warning signs of high blood sugar is developing a strange taste in your mouth. Should you speak to a doctor about type 2 diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition that describes blood sugar levels becoming too high, leading to a series of unwanted complications. But many people live their lives without even knowing they might be at risk. It's essential that you speak to a doctor as soon as possible if you think you could have diabetes.

About 90 percent of all diagnosed diabetes cases are caused by type 2 diabetes.

The condition is caused by the body struggling to produce enough of the hormone insulin, or the body not reacting to insulin. Insulin is required to convert sugar in the blood into useable energy.

However, diabetes symptoms often go under the radar and might be easily dismissed as something less serious.

Some patients first notice that something might be wrong when they develop a strange taste in their mouth.

The taste disturbance can vary, but it's often described as tasting "metallic", according to medical website Healthline. High blood sugar can slowly damage the central nervous system, which subsequently impacts patients' taste and smell. A taste disorder - known as parageusia - might result when the nerves affecting taste are damaged, it said.

"Uncontrolled diabetes or high blood sugar can cause a range of problems such as nerve damage and kidney damage," it said. "But these aren’t the only side effects of diabetes.

"Some people with diabetes may also develop a metallic taste in their mouth. Parageusia is a taste disorder that can occur alongside diabetes. It’s also known to cause a metallic taste in the mouth.

"Simply put, your central nervous system affects how your brain perceives taste, and it’s possible that uncontrolled diabetes can affect your nervous system."

But just because you develop a metallic taste in your mouth, it doesn't necessarily mean that you have diabetes. It could also be caused by indigestion, a cold, or even a sinus infection, according to the NHS.

Gum disease might also lead to an unpleasant taste, which is why it's crucial you regularly brush your teeth and use dental floss.

You should consider speaking to a doctor if the metallic taste doesn't go away, however, and if there's no obvious cause. Meanwhile, you could also be at risk of diabetes if you start using the toilet more often than normal, and if you're feeling unusually thirsty.

Some patients might also have cuts or wounds that take longer to heal, or develop persistently itchy genitals.

Leaving your diabetes undiagnosed could increase the risk of heart disease and strokes.

Speak to a doctor if you're worried about the warning signs of diabetes.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1448914/diabetes-symptoms-strange-taste-mouth-sign-high-blood-sugar-evg