Type 2 Diabetes and virtually complete loss of taste

[JonH]

Hello all. I have had Type 2 diabetes now for 10 years. Over the last about 18 months I had noticed a gradual deterioration in my sense of taste. When Covid first appeared and loss of taste was listed as a possible symptom, I immediately got tested and was negative - and have been so on many subsequent lateral flow tests over the months. By December 2021 my loss of taste had markedly deteriorated - I would taste the first half of a meal and then lose all taste for the remainder. Now I have virtually lost all sense of taste. At no time through all this have I lost my sense of smell - which is strange given how closely taste and smell are linked. I am wondering if this could be caused by some type of diabetic neuropathy - not the more common peripheral neuropathy but possibly an autonomic type? I have seen an ENT specialist and had an MRI brain scan - none of the tests have revealed anything abnormal. Has anyone out there had a similar experience or can offer any advice? For someone who loves his food and drink I am finding this very hard and depressing!

 

[Leadinglights]

Hello all. I have had Type 2 diabetes now for 10 years. Over the last about 18 months I had noticed a gradual deterioration in my sense of taste. When Covid first appeared and loss of taste was listed as a possible symptom, I immediately got tested and was negative - and have been so on many subsequent lateral flow tests over the months. By December 2021 my loss of taste had markedly deteriorated - I would taste the first half of a meal and then lose all taste for the remainder. Now I have virtually lost all sense of taste. At no time through all this have I lost my sense of smell - which is strange given how closely taste and smell are linked. I am wondering if this could be caused by some type of diabetic neuropathy - not the more common peripheral neuropathy but possibly an autonomic type? I have seen an ENT specialist and had an MRI brain scan - none of the tests have revealed anything abnormal. Has anyone out there had a similar experience or can offer any advice? For someone who loves his food and drink I am finding this very hard and depressing!

I lost sense of taste and smell after a bad viral infection but it was accompanied by a continual runny nose. Not only that but savoury things were unpleasant, sweet things not so bad. I saw all sorts of people who didn't give me much hope of it returning however it did after a couple of years. Apparently it is not uncommon after a viral infection. This was pre diabetes.
I have heard metformin can cause taste problems often a metallic taste.

 

[JonH]

Thank you for your information. I think my symptoms are very different e.g. often my taste is absolutely zero for a whole meal. I was interested (and slightly worried?) that it took 2 years for your taste to return properly.