Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body does not make enough insulin or does not use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that allows sugar to enter cells in the body, where it is used for energy.
When the body doesn’t make enough or use insulin properly, sugar builds up in the bloodstream. This leads to high blood sugar.
Uncontrolled diabetes or high blood sugar can cause a number of problems, such as: B. Nerve and kidney damage. However, these aren’t the only side effects of diabetes. Some people with diabetes may also develop a metallic taste in their mouth.
Reasons for taste disorders vary, but can include medication or poor oral hygiene. Sometimes a metallic taste in the mouth is also an early sign of diabetes.
Here are some causes of a metallic taste in the mouth related to diabetes.
Use of metformin
Metformin is an oral medication that is commonly prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes. It reduces the amount of glucose (sugar) made by the liver. This will help bring blood sugar levels down to a safe range.
Although metformin can stabilize blood sugar, reducing the risk of serious diabetes complications, some people who take this drug complain of a metallic taste in their mouth.
The reason is not entirely clear, but this taste disturbance is likely due to the prescription drug excreting in saliva.
The good news is that this taste problem is often temporary, with the taste returning to normal after 1 or 2 weeks.
Parageusia
Parageusia is a taste disorder that can appear alongside diabetes. It is also known to cause a metallic taste in the mouth. But what is the connection between parageusia and diabetes?
Put simply, your central nervous system (CNS) affects how your brain perceives taste, and it is possible that uncontrolled diabetes can affect your nervous system.
Persistent high blood sugar slowly damages the nerves in your body. This can affect the nerves in:
Parageusia occurs when injury or damage to the CNS distorts taste and smell. Taste disorders – such as a metallic taste in the mouth – arise when the nerves that influence taste are damaged.
Oral health problems
Oral health problems are another common cause of a metallic taste in the mouth.
Many people think that diabetes only affects blood sugar. But too much sugar in your blood can cause problems in your mouth too.
Periodontal disease
High blood sugar also increases the amount of sugar in your saliva. And when your saliva contains more sugar, you are at greater risk of tooth decay, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. The latter two can cause a metallic taste in the mouth.
Diabetic tongue
The diabetic tongue is another oral health problem that can cause a metallic taste in the mouth. This occurs when a combination of too much sugar in your saliva and a dry mouth causes oral thrush.
Thrush occurs when a naturally occurring fungus gets out of control. It can affect the gums, tongue, and roof of the mouth.
A metallic taste in your mouth due to diabetes may improve over time. It all depends on the underlying problem.
If you are taking the drug metformin, the metallic taste should subside after a few weeks once your body has got used to the drug. If the taste disturbance does not improve, see a doctor.
Adjusting your dosage or finding an alternative medication can improve your taste.
If a metallic taste is due to sugar in saliva, controlling your diabetes can also help improve your taste. If you develop an infection due to poor dental hygiene, visiting the dentist and treating the infection can improve the taste.
When a taste disorder occurs due to nerve damage, the severity of the nerve damage can determine whether your taste returns to normal.
Even if you adjust your medications, improve your oral hygiene, and take steps to control your blood sugar, a metallic taste in your mouth may not improve immediately.
While you’re waiting for your condition to improve, here are some tips to make your food taste better:
- When preparing meals, use different herbs and spices to add extra flavor.
- Drink plenty of water or chew sugar-free gum. This can improve dry mouth and reduce the metallic taste in your mouth.
- Use non-metallic utensils when eating. This can also reduce a metallic taste.
- Treat colds, sinus infections, and allergies. These conditions can worsen a metallic taste.
- Eat your food cold. Some foods taste better at lower temperatures.
See a doctor if the metallic taste in your mouth doesn’t improve after a few weeks. It is important that you do not ignore this taste disturbance as it can indicate problems with blood sugar control.
If you have not yet been diagnosed with diabetes and you still notice a metallic taste in your mouth, see a doctor. This taste disturbance is sometimes an early sign of diabetes.
A metallic taste in your mouth can distort the taste of foods and beverages and make your favorite foods difficult to enjoy. Although taste disorders have different causes, it is important to see a doctor if symptoms do not improve.
This can be an early sign of diabetes as well as blood sugar that is not within the target range.
