• Find Us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

dLife Daily Tips

Do you have hypoglycemic unawareness?

Read More View All Tips

Diabetes Questions & Answers
Your diabetes questions answered by our Experts and Community.


Can't find the answer you are looking for?
Ask a new question
The Question
03/12/10 01:31 PM

"Can diabetes cause an increase in underarm odor?"
Asked By: ssmesq  
Category: Other

Background Info Hide
I was diagnosed four months ago. Before I was diagnosed, along with lots of other symptoms, I noticed that my body no longer responded as well to underarm deodorant. I've been on Metformin now for four months, sugar is under control, A1C is down 4 whole points, but underarm odor continues.

Expert Answers (1)

03/21/10 12:15 PM

Thank-you fro contacting dLife.com with your interesting question.

Body odor, known as "bromidrosis" occurs when bacteria metabolize the proteins and fatty acids in the sweat produced by the apocrine glands. These glands are found in the armpits and groin area, which are, not surprisingly, hotbeds of bacteria. In diabetics there are changes in the skin in the dryness, color changes, sweat glands and the response to the breakdown of fatty acids especially when first diagnosed.

The best thing to do is to make sure you are washing with a mild soap and water and drying these areas well. I would avoid harsh soaps that can thin the skin and make it a haven for small chaffed areas that will be prone to breakdown. Inspect the area for any moist rashes. Consider asking your MD of the deodorant he recommends avoiding heavy perfumes or additives. Wearing cotton breathable fabrics will help. YOU didn't mention if you were a male or female. Is removing underarm hair an option?

With a few small changes this should resolve with your great efforts to improve your glucose levels.

Stay well and Stay well managed.

Answered By: Janet HowardDucsay
Accreditations: RN BSN CDE
Sources Show

Community Answers (2)

04/07/10 10:23 AM

I had the same problem and started using the new deorerants that are clincial strength and they work wonderfully,either the brand for men or women,they are a little bit pricey,but well worth it! Also using powder under your arm's not the arm pit itself,just the underarms,vitiman E is also helpful in preventing odor!! Good luck,hope this helps!!
Answered By: terryocherry
FLAG
SourcesShow


04/07/10 10:22 AM

I had the same problem and started using the new deorerants that are clincial strength and they work wonderfully,either the brand for men or women,they are a little bit pricey,but well worth it! Also using powder under your arm's not the arm pit itself,just the underarms,vitiman E is also helpful in preventing odor!! Good luck,hope this helps!!
Answered By: terryocherry
FLAG
SourcesShow



Most Recent Other Questions:

WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO GET ON TEST STUDYS? I HAVE BEEN ON INSULIN FOR OVER 30 YRS, AND STILL HAVE EVERY THING.
I am very distracted lately due to losing my job. Last night I took 10 units Lantus over-32 instead of 22 units. How will this effect me?
My doctor has recommended the elemental diet to help me get a handle on my chronic pancreatitis. I am a brittle diabetic. Do you have any suggestion
Is there a medicine for diabetics that won't make me dizzy.I take Metformin twice a day and I'm bouncing off the walls.
My left hand and my left ankle are so swollen i can't close my hand and can't get my shoe on. Was told i have diabetic neuropathy.
hello, i've diabetic for 30 years, last year i got a small brown patch in my right leg and than it got like the size of a quater, than a few days
Is there any correlation between cognitive difficulties from MS and type 2 diabetes?

 

*** All information contained on dLife.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Our Expert Q&A is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional or for professional medical advice related to diabetes or another medical condition. Please contact your physician or medical professional with any questions and concerns about your medical condition.

Sign up for FREE dLife Newsletters

dLife Membership is FREE! Get exclusive access, free recipes, newsletters, savings, and much more! FPO

FPO

Congratulations!
You are subscribed!
Congratulations!
You are subscribed!
Congratulations!
You are subscribed!

dLife Weekly Poll

Has diabetes made it difficult to get/renew a driver's license?

View Results
More Polls
More Diabetes Information
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
More dLife Information
Copyright © 2012 LifeMed Media, Inc.    All Rights Reserved.
This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.