Experts link excessive sweating to diabetes, nervous disorders

Sodiq Ojuroungbe 

Public medical experts have cautioned Nigerians experiencing excessive sweating against ignoring it, noting that they should seek the help of health experts to know the cause.

They noted that excessive sweating is sometimes a sign of underlying health conditions like diabetes and nervous system health issues.

The experts explained that excessive sweating may be linked to a medical condition known as hyperhidrosis and diaphoresis, adding that it could be a pointer to ailments like diabetes, thyroid issue, infections, and nervous system disorders. 

According to Mayo Clinic – a medical center focused on integrated health care, education, and research, while hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that is not always related to heat or exercise, hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating linked to any kind of physical activity — even just a short walk. 

The experts disclosed that hyperhidrosis may be present from birth but might also develop later in life.

They, however, noted that most cases of excessive sweating often start during the teenage years. 

Speaking with PUNCH HealthWise, the experts, a professor of public health, Jacob Adegoke, and another public health expert, Dr. Olaposi Olatoregun, noted that it is important for those experiencing frequent excessive sweating to see a doctor.

Dr. Olatoregun explained that primary hyperhidrosis is caused by faulty nerve signals that make the sweat glands abnormally active, adding that it has no medical cause. 

He, however, explained that secondary hyperhidrosis could be caused by medication, hormonal medications, and antidepressants.

He said, “They can also be caused by some medical condition such as diabetes, thyroid issues, infections, and Nervous system disorders 

“Sweating is usually more in parts of the body with a lot of sweat glands. The only one common in females which is not present in males is heavy sweating caused by menopause.”

In his submission, Prof. Adegoke said it is important to seek medical intervention when experiencing excessive sweating that cannot be explained by external heat or exercise. 

He added, “When a person experiences excessive sweating, it is called diaphoresis. In diaphoresis, sweating cannot be explained by external heat or exercise. Instead, it is often the result of an underlying medical condition or someone’s medication.

“It is essential for someone to see a doctor if they experience frequent diaphoresis. Often, the underlying health condition can be treated and future diaphoresis prevented.

“In some cases, the excessive sweating is caused by a condition that may have serious complications if not properly diagnosed and treated.

“The condition can be due to an underlying health condition, or have no apparent cause.”

Some studies report that 40 per cent of patients with hyperhidrosis experience physical discomfort.

A study conducted in India revealed that 38 per cent of college-aged students with hyperhidrosis experienced bothersome to extremely bothersome symptoms.

In another study done in the United States, approximately 75 per cent of respondents with hyperhidrosis indicated that their sweating led to negative effects on their social life and emotional and mental health. 

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