Excessive thirst, usually associated with dry mouth, is one of the first symptoms of diabetes. As blood sugar rises, the body attempts to get rid of excess glucose by causing more urine to be excreted, thereby draining body fluids. The resulting dehydration manifests in the form of dryness, stickiness, or even an inability to speak clearly on the tongue. Research indicates that diabetic individuals tend to experience low saliva output, so dry tongue is a warning signal that should not be ignored.
