Does diabetes have anything to do with hyperhidrosis?

Is there any connection between Hyperhidrosis and diabetes? Diabetes mellitus has two forms: type 2 diabetes and type 1. Type 2 diabetes is a situation where the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to control blood sugar levels. It most commonly appears in the later parts of life, but not always.

We treat this type of diabetes with oral medications, weight reduction, increased physical activity, and a healthy lifestyle. Type 1 diabetes is a clinical condition in which the patient must supply insulin to the body by means of injection. It is beyond the scope of this forum to discuss it in more detail.

Hyperhidrosis and diabetes have no direct connection. Hyperhidrosis is commonly a result of genetics. Diabetes, if left uncontrolled for years, can cause peripheral neuronal damage.

Damage is commonly found in the (sensory fibers) nerves. Diabetes does not affect the sympathetic chain, which belongs to the involuntary nervous system. The somatic and sympathetic fibers are different in their origin, purpose, and function.

Diabetes and hyperhidrosis can appear independently. A sympathectomy should not have any direct effect on one’s state of diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes can produce generalized body hyperhidrosis, which is different from focal hyperhidrosis (armpits, hands, feet).