Suggest Remedies To Control Type 2 Diabetes In An Elderly Person

Posted on Sun, 27 Nov 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 27 Nov 2016 Answered on

Sat, 24 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a friend who is diabetic. She is in her 70s and it is Type 2 diabetes. For the past 5 weeks she has been eating very well--no junk food, lots of vegetables, low glycemic fruits and good meats --and learning the values of the glycemic index of her foods. She is staying under 50 glycemic index. She now has a terrible, metallic taste in her mouth. How urgent is this? She did lose 7 pounds last week.

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
About metallic taste.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I can understand your concern regarding to your friend's health and i do appreciate it.
Metallic taste is not related to blood sugar.
Usually it is caused by some medications ( claritromycin, captopril ect.). Sinus infections can be another cause too as well as food allergies ( shellfish, nuts).
If it persists i would suggest to see an otolaryngologist.
An otolaryngologist may order a taste test to determine the cause and extent of the taste disorder. Taste tests measure a person’s response to different chemicals. He may also order imaging studies to look at your sinuses.
Congratulations for blood glucose control and wish her good health.

Kind Regards,
Dr.Mirjeta

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar