Diabetes is often associated with high blood sugar levels and well-known complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, and feet. However, Dr Manisha Arora, the director of internal medicine at CK Birla Hospital in Delhi, emphasises that diabetes can also significantly impact hearing. Individuals with diabetes are reportedly nearly twice as likely to experience hearing loss compared to those without the condition.

Dr Arora explains that consistently elevated blood sugar levels can damage the delicate blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear over time. This gradual deterioration can disrupt how sound signals are transmitted to the brain, leading to a decline in hearing ability. Many individuals may not notice their hearing loss until it becomes pronounced.

Common indicators of hearing issues include frequently asking others to repeat themselves, increasing the volume on devices, difficulty in following conversations in noisy settings, and experiencing tinnitus, which is characterised by ringing or buzzing in the ears. Dr Arora advises that individuals with diabetes should monitor their hearing and consider regular assessments, especially as they age or after living with the condition for several years.

Diabetes and Oral Health Issues

The impact of diabetes extends to oral health, as highlighted by Dr Arora. Elevated blood sugar levels can lead to increased glucose in saliva, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth. Additionally, diabetes can impair the body’s ability to combat infections, making individuals more vulnerable to oral health complications.

Some prevalent oral health issues associated with diabetes include gum disease, which may manifest as red, swollen, or bleeding gums and can progress to periodontitis if untreated. Other complications include persistent bad breath due to bacterial accumulation, loose teeth or tooth loss resulting from severe gum disease, and delayed healing of cuts or sores in the mouth.

Dr Arora notes that the relationship between diabetes and gum disease is reciprocal. Poorly controlled blood sugar can increase the risk of gum infections, while severe gum disease can complicate blood sugar management. This creates a cycle where each condition exacerbates the other. Dentists may often be the first to suspect undiagnosed diabetes in patients presenting with recurrent gum infections.

Diabetes and Skin Complications

Skin complications are also prevalent among individuals with diabetes, with nearly one in three people with the condition likely to develop some form of skin issue during their lifetime. Dr Arora points out that persistently high blood sugar can adversely affect blood circulation and impair the skin’s protective barrier, making it more susceptible to infections.

Common skin-related complications include dry and itchy skin due to poor circulation and dehydration, as well as a condition known as acanthosis nigricans, which presents as dark, thickened patches of skin, particularly around the neck and armpits. This condition is often linked to insulin resistance and may indicate an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Moreover, individuals with diabetes may experience slow-healing wounds, as even minor injuries can take longer to mend due to compromised circulation. They are also at a higher risk of recurrent bacterial and fungal infections. Dr Arora emphasises that persistent skin changes or wounds that do not heal should prompt medical evaluation, particularly for those living with diabetes or at risk of developing the condition.

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