Diabetes Head On 4th Edition April 2021 | Page 46

Diabetes Mellitus and Ear , Nose , and Throat ( ENT ) diseases

by Dr Mujahid F . Din
If one is diagnosed with diabetes , then the control of diabetes is of paramount concern . The hallmark of this is control of blood glucose .

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Introduction : Diabetes mellitus and its effects
Diabetes mellitus is a disease , increasingly becoming more evident in Kenyans and Worldwide , characterized by an abnormal rise in glucose levels in the blood . It is accompanied by the inability of the body to use that glucose . It may be due to a lack of insulin , the hormone that enables glucose to be utilized , or insulin ’ s ability to exert its action .
This results in several consequences :
• Diminished immunity , which makes diabetic patients more likely to catch infections .
• Blood vessel pathology , which may compromise blood flow . It may occur in large vessels , for example , in the heart or small vessels , for example , in the eyes and ears .
• Nerve damage that can affect the hearing , sight , and touch sensation . These effects have a unique relationship with Ear , Nose , and Throat ( ENT ) disease .
What are the ENT conditions in diabetes mellitus ?
Ear-related problems
• There may be recurrent infections of the external ear , often related
to water entry , commonly known as the ‘ swimmer ’ s ear ’. It presents with an earache , itch , and discharge and may be bacterial or fungal in origin . Treatment for mild infections is with antimicrobial drops , whereas in more severe cases , you may require oral medication .
• In poorly controlled diabetes , a more serious condition called
‘ necrotising otitis externa ’ may
develop , affecting the skull bones and maybe life-threatening . It would present with a severe earache , headache , and ear discharge . Treatment would involve intravenous antibiotics and may require operative intervention .
• In the long term , hearing loss , out of proportion to age , may occur . It is due to the inner ear damage or the nerves that serve hearing being affected . It is usually accompanied by tinnitus ( unexplained noises in the ear ) and dizziness . The hearing loss is mostly irreversible and may require hearing aids . educator / nurse who teaches you about the dos and don ’ ts in patient care , they are your knowledge source .