Sweating in a diabetic person often indicates an imbalance in blood sugar levels. Recognizing this sign and understanding how to respond quickly is important for their well-being, as it helps manage the situation and prevent complications.
Immediate Steps to Take
When a diabetic person begins sweating, first, check blood sugar if a meter is available and the person is conscious. If testing is not immediately possible, or if symptoms suggest low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), it is safer to assume low blood sugar and treat promptly. Treatment for mild to moderate hypoglycemia involves administering fast-acting carbohydrates.
The “15-15 rule” is a common guideline: consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates, wait 15 minutes, and then recheck blood sugar. If the blood sugar remains below 70 mg/dL, another 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates should be consumed, repeating the process until the level rises. Examples of suitable fast-acting carbohydrates include:
Four ounces (half a cup) of fruit juice or regular soda (not diet)
Three to four glucose tablets
One tablespoon of sugar or honey
Five to six hard candies
Chocolate, biscuits, or milk are not ideal for immediate treatment due to their fat content, which slows sugar absorption.
Once blood sugar stabilizes above 70 mg/dL, consume a substantial snack or meal with carbohydrates and protein if the next meal is over an hour away. This helps prevent another drop in blood sugar. Never attempt to give food or drink to an unconscious person, as there is a significant risk of choking.
If the individual is unconscious or unable to swallow, and prescribed glucagon is available, administer it immediately. Glucagon prompts the liver to release stored glucose, rapidly raising blood sugar. It can be given as an injection (intramuscular or subcutaneous) or a nasal powder; instructions are included with the kit. After administering glucagon, turn the person onto their side, as vomiting is a common side effect.
Understanding Why Diabetics Sweat
Sweating in individuals with diabetes is often a symptom of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar, below 70 mg/dL). When blood sugar drops, the body initiates a “fight-or-flight” response, releasing stress hormones like adrenaline. This hormonal surge causes the activation of sweat glands, leading to symptoms such as sweating, shakiness, a rapid heartbeat, and anxiety. These symptoms serve as important warning signals, prompting individuals to take action before blood sugar levels fall further.
Sweating can also occur during nocturnal hypoglycemia (nighttime low blood sugar), often leaving pajamas and sheets damp. This is especially common in individuals who use insulin to manage their condition. Other accompanying symptoms of nocturnal hypoglycemia can include headaches or feeling fatigued upon waking.
While hypoglycemia is the most common reason for sweating, other factors contribute. High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can sometimes lead to sweating, particularly if it results in severe dehydration or conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Additionally, nerve damage, or diabetic neuropathy, can affect the body’s sweat glands, leading to excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) in some areas, even in cool environments or with minimal activity. This type of nerve damage can occur due to prolonged periods of elevated blood sugar.
When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention
Certain situations involving a sweating diabetic warrant immediate emergency medical attention. If the person becomes unconscious or is unable to swallow, it is crucial to call emergency services without delay.
Other serious signs include seizures or convulsions. If the person’s confusion or disorientation worsens, or if their blood sugar levels do not improve after repeated treatments with fast-acting carbohydrates, professional medical intervention is necessary. A lack of access to prescribed glucagon when needed, or uncertainty about how to use it in a severe low blood sugar event, also necessitates calling for emergency services. When in doubt about the severity of the situation or if the individual’s condition seems rapidly declining, contacting emergency medical personnel is always the safest course of action.
Strategies for Prevention
Preventing episodes of problematic sweating related to blood sugar imbalances involves consistent management of diabetes. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is important for prevention, allowing individuals to identify and address fluctuations before they become severe. Adhering strictly to prescribed medication schedules and dosages, including insulin or oral medications, helps maintain stable blood glucose.
Maintaining consistent meal timing and carbohydrate intake throughout the day is important, as skipping meals or delays can contribute to low blood sugar. Adjustments to insulin or medication may also be necessary when engaging in physical activity, as exercise can lower blood glucose levels for several hours. Carrying fast-acting carbohydrates at all times ensures immediate treatment is available if blood sugar drops unexpectedly.
Wearing medical alert identification, such as a bracelet or necklace, can inform emergency responders about the individual’s diabetic condition. Educating family members, friends, and close contacts about the symptoms of low blood sugar and the appropriate first aid measures, including how to administer glucagon, is also highly beneficial. Regular communication with healthcare providers allows for ongoing review and adjustment of the diabetes management plan, which can help minimize future episodes.