Can Diabetes Cause a Metallic Taste in the Mouth?

Health Line

2 days ago

A metallic mouth taste may be due to medication or oral hygiene issues. It can also be an early sign of diabetes.
Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body doesn't make enough insulin or use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that allows sugar to enter the body's cells, where it's then used for energy.
When the body doesn't make enough or use insulin properly, sugar builds up in the bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar.
Unmanaged diabetes or high blood sugar can cause a range of problems, such as nerve damage and kidney damage. However, these aren't the only side effects of diabetes. Some people with the condition may also develop a metallic taste in their mouths.
Most common causes
There are a few causes of a metallic taste in the mouth related to diabetes.
Use of metformin
Metformin is an oral medication commonly prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes. It reduces the amount of glucose (blood sugar) produced by the liver, helping lower blood sugar levels to a safe range.
However, while metformin can stabilize blood sugar — thereby reducing the risk of serious diabetes complications — some people who take this medication complain of a metallic taste in their mouths.
The reason isn't quite clear, but this taste disturbance is likely due to the prescription drug excreting into saliva. Often, the taste disturbance is temporary, with your natural taste returning after 1 to 2 weeks.
Parageusia
Parageusia is a taste disorder that can occur alongside diabetes. It's also known to cause a metallic taste in the mouth. However, what's the connection between parageusia and diabetes?
Simply put, your central nervous system (CNS) affects how your brain perceives taste, and it's possible that unmanaged diabetes can affect your nervous system.
Prolonged high blood sugar slowly damages the nerves in your body. This can include the nerves in the:
eyes
feet
legs
arms
mouth
Parageusia occurs when injury or damage to the CNS distorts taste and smell. Taste disturbances, such as a metallic taste in the mouth, develop when the nerves that affect taste become damaged.
Oral health issues
Oral health issues are another common cause of a metallic taste in the mouth.
Many people think that diabetes only affects blood sugar. However, too much sugar in your blood can also cause problems with your mouth.
Periodontal disease
High blood sugar also increases the sugar level in your saliva. And if your saliva contains more sugar, you're at a higher risk for cavities, gingivitis, and periodontitis. The latter two can cause a metallic taste in the mouth.
Diabetic tongue
Diabetic tongue is another oral health problem that can cause a metallic taste in the mouth. This occurs when a combination of excess sugar in your saliva and a dry mouth triggers oral thrush.
Thrush develops when a naturally occurring fungus starts to grow out of control. It can affect the gums, tongue, and roof of the mouth.
Will the metallic taste go away?
A metallic taste in your mouth due to diabetes might improve over time. It all depends on the underlying issue.
If you take the drug metformin, a metallic taste should subside after a few weeks once your body adjusts to the medication. If the taste disturbance doesn't improve, you are advised to speak with a medical professional.
Adjusting your dosage or finding an alternative drug might improve your taste.
If a metallic taste is due to sugar in the saliva, managing your diabetes can also help improve your taste. Additionally, if you develop an infection due to dental hygiene issues, consulting a dentist and treating the infection might improve your taste.
If taste disturbance occurs due to nerve damage, the severity of nerve damage may determine whether your taste returns to what it was.
Ways to reduce the taste
Even if you adjust your medication, improve your oral hygiene, and take steps to control your blood sugar, a metallic taste in your mouth might not improve immediately.
As you wait for your condition to improve, here are a few tips to help your food taste better:
Use different herbs and spices when preparing meals to add additional flavor.
Drink plenty of water or chew sugarless gum. This might improve a dry mouth and lessen the metallic taste in your mouth.
When you're eating, use non-metallic utensils, which can help reduce a metallic taste.
Treat colds, sinus infections, and allergies, which are conditions that can worsen a metallic taste.
Eat your food cold. Some foods taste better at a lower temperature.
When to talk with a professional
Speak with a doctor if a metallic taste in your mouth does not improve after a couple of weeks. It's important that you don't ignore this taste disturbance, as it can indicate problems with blood sugar management.
If you haven't been diagnosed with diabetes, yet you notice a metallic taste in your mouth, it's also recommended that you consult a medical professional. This taste disturbance is sometimes an early sign of diabetes.