What Causes Numbness In The Lips While Having Diabetes?

Posted on Mon, 16 Jan 2017

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

Mon, 16 Jan 2017 Answered on

Wed, 15 Feb 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : My wife 67 years old has been having numb lips. She has dibetis and takes insulin twice a day sometines. no other health problems.

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
For how long has this been going on?

Detailed Answer:
HI,

I have reviewed this information fully. While longstanding diabetes can cause numbness, the lips are not often the site of predilection. I will like to know for how long this has been going on. Also, is she applying any product on the lips? Is this a permanent numbness or comes and goes off? Is this related to cold temperatures?

Let me hear back from you before making conclusive statements on other possibilities and what measure can be taken to address this.

I wish you well and hope to hear from you at your earliest convenience.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (12 hours later)

This has just started a few months ago, she does not wear any lip stick or apply any medication to the effected area. I made her check her sugar and it was a little high. The numbness comes and goes.

We live in south Florida were temps get down to the 40's for a day or two at the most, all winter.

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (29 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Let's monitor this! It should normally resolve spontaneously!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have reviewed this additional information. However, it doesn't really point to a specific disease condition. I find this as a more intermittent observation without an underlying disease process. Let's monitor for now and we may be able to gather more information to make more proposals if need be. Keep me updated about her progress.

I wish you well.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar