Is Dry Mouth a Sign of Diabetes? Symptoms and Concerns - Urology

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Is dry mouth a sign of diabetes?


Hello, I am a bit worried about whether I have diabetes and would like to consult you.
Two and a half years ago, during a physical examination, my fasting blood glucose was 75 mg/dL, and there was no glycosuria.
My liver and kidney functions were normal.
Two years ago, I experienced dry mouth (I remember having to drink water after speaking just a few sentences), which led me to drink more water and urinate frequently.
I also had symptoms of a gastric ulcer, which I was unaware of at the time.
A few weeks later, about a year and a half ago, I experienced dry mouth again, leading to increased water intake and urination, accompanied by gastric ulcer symptoms.
Shortly after that, during a military service physical examination, my blood glucose was not tested (I had my blood drawn two hours after a meal), and there was no glycosuria; everything else was normal.
Two months ago, I experienced dry mouth again, leading to increased water intake and urination, along with gastric ulcer symptoms.
Concerned, I visited a family medicine doctor who ordered a fasting blood test (along with liver and kidney function tests and urinalysis).
Four days later, the report showed a fasting blood glucose of 99 mg/dL, with normal liver and kidney functions and no glycosuria.
The doctor noticed I was a bit anxious and asked if I had eaten.
I replied that I had consumed 350 mL of unsweetened oat milk about an hour prior (from 7-11).
He mentioned that it could affect the results, so he suggested a postprandial glucose test (although I later realized it was actually about 40 minutes after eating).
The result was 104 mg/dL, which he said was normal (I am unsure if he tested for HbA1c, as he did not mention it when I reviewed the report, and the paper copy was not provided).
Recently, I have experienced a recurrence of gastric ulcer symptoms and dry mouth, leading to increased water intake and urination.
Note: I am 21 years old, with a BMI of 19, and there is no history of diabetes in my family for at least three generations (at least none have been discovered).
I usually take walks every day.
The pattern of dry mouth leading to increased water intake and urination is based on my own observations; the dry mouth is usually more pronounced after meals, but not always.
The dry mouth always coincides with the appearance of gastric ulcer symptoms and disappears simultaneously.
Is this diabetes, or am I overthinking it? Should I continue testing?

Dàxuéshēng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/05/21

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology


Hello: Blood sugar levels are not diabetes.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/05/21

More Info


Dry mouth, or xerostomia, can indeed be a symptom associated with diabetes, but it is not exclusively indicative of the condition. In your case, it seems that you have experienced episodes of dry mouth, increased thirst, and frequent urination, which are classic symptoms of diabetes. However, your recent medical evaluations, including fasting blood sugar levels and postprandial glucose tests, have shown that your blood sugar levels are within normal ranges, which is reassuring.

To understand the relationship between dry mouth and diabetes, it's essential to consider how diabetes affects the body. In diabetes, high blood sugar levels can lead to dehydration, which may cause dry mouth. Additionally, diabetes can affect the salivary glands, leading to reduced saliva production. However, other conditions can also cause dry mouth, such as medications, dehydration, or underlying health issues like gastric ulcers, which you mentioned experiencing.

Your history of gastric ulcers could be contributing to your symptoms. Stress, diet, and certain medications can exacerbate gastric issues, leading to symptoms like dry mouth and increased thirst. It's also worth noting that dry mouth can lead to a cycle of increased thirst and urination, as you drink more fluids to alleviate the dryness.

Given your age (21 years) and the absence of a family history of diabetes, the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes is relatively low, especially since your blood sugar levels have been normal. However, it is essential to monitor your symptoms and maintain regular check-ups with your healthcare provider. If your symptoms persist or worsen, further evaluation may be warranted.

In terms of management, here are some recommendations:
1. Hydration: Ensure you are drinking enough water throughout the day. If you notice that certain beverages exacerbate your symptoms, consider reducing their intake.

2. Diet: A balanced diet that avoids excessive sugar and processed foods can help maintain stable blood sugar levels. Since you have a history of gastric ulcers, it may also be beneficial to avoid spicy, acidic, or irritating foods that could aggravate your stomach.

3. Regular Monitoring: Continue to monitor your blood sugar levels, especially if you experience symptoms like increased thirst or frequent urination. If you have concerns about your blood sugar, ask your healthcare provider about testing your HbA1c levels, which provide an average of your blood sugar over the past two to three months.

4. Consultation: If your symptoms persist, consider consulting a specialist, such as an endocrinologist, who can provide a more in-depth evaluation of your symptoms and any potential underlying conditions.

5. Lifestyle Modifications: Regular physical activity, stress management techniques, and maintaining a healthy weight can all contribute to overall health and may help alleviate some of your symptoms.

In conclusion, while dry mouth can be a symptom of diabetes, your recent tests suggest that you are not currently diabetic. However, it is essential to keep an eye on your symptoms and maintain open communication with your healthcare provider to ensure any underlying issues are addressed. If you continue to experience dry mouth and associated symptoms, further evaluation may be necessary to rule out other conditions.

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