Is It True That Canker Sores Can Be An Early Sign Of Diabetes Symptoms?

Illustration (Nataliya Vaitkevich/Pexels)

JAKARTA - Among the symptoms of someone suffering from diabetes, thrush is one of them, said dr. Rudy Kurniawan, Sp.PD from the Indonesian Association of Internal Medicine Specialists (PAPDI).

"Thrush is one of the symptoms of diabetes. Dental disorders and oral disorders including canker sores can occur due to high blood sugar problems," said the Founder of the Diabet Sobat Community at a health event, reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, August 16.

Rudy explained that high blood sugar, i.e., if fasting blood sugar levels are more than 125 mg/dl, can cause dry mouth and then disrupt the immune system's defenses in the oral cavity. This then results in the appearance of canker sores and even additional infections.

"There can also be additional infections such as plaque formation, causing tooth decay, cavities," he said.

According to him, this danger can get worse as the condition of the immune system is low in those with diabetes. Infections that are initially local can become systemic or generalized.

Rudy reminded, diabetes can arise without symptoms. The appearance of symptoms other than thrush, including increased frequency of urination, excessive thirst and hunger, weight loss, skin problems and tingling is actually a sign that the patient is late in realizing his illness.

"If symptoms occur, it's actually too late. That's why it's important for us to carry out screening or early evaluation for the presence or absence of diabetes, especially in at-risk groups," he said.