How diabetes affects hearing, teeth and skin in hidden ways

High blood sugar impacts the entire body, leading to hidden health issues in the ears, teeth and skin that are rarely talked about. Dr Manisha Arora, director of internal medicine at the CK Birla Hospital in Delhi, highlighted these lesser-known effects on World Diabetes Day, observed every year on November 14.

Ear and Oral Health

People with diabetes face nearly twice the risk of developing hearing loss compared to individuals without the condition. Persistently high blood sugar harms the tiny blood vessels and nerves inside the inner ear over time, which affects how sound signals reach the brain. Oral health is also heavily impacted because high sugar levels raise glucose in saliva and help bacteria grow. Furthermore, severe gum disease can make blood sugar harder to manage, creating a cycle where each condition worsens the other.

Skin and Prevention

Skin complications affect nearly one in three people living with diabetes during their lifetime. Poor blood circulation, a weakened skin barrier, and a reduced ability to heal make individuals more vulnerable to bacterial and fungal infections. Dr Arora recommends regular hearing checks, brushing twice daily, flossing, avoiding tobacco, visiting a dentist every six months, and seeking medical evaluation for persistent skin changes.

Context

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition that requires lifelong management of blood sugar levels to prevent long-term damage to various organs. While major complications like kidney and eye damage are widely known, the disease also affects the body's small blood vessels and immune response more broadly. Routine health monitoring helps catch these gradual changes before they turn into major medical problems.