Effects of glycemic control on saliva flow rates and protein composition in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to determine whether improvements in the level of diabetic control in a group of subjects with poorly controlled non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus influence salivary output and composition.


METHODS
Repeated whole unstimulated and stimulated parotid saliva samples were collected from diabetic patients attending an outpatient diabetes education program and a matched nondiabetic control group. Saliva was analyzed for flow rates, parotid protein concentration and composition, and amylase activity. Subjective responses to questions about salivary hypofunction were tested.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences in whole unstimulated and stimulated parotid flow rates or stimulated parotid protein concentration and composition between diabetics and the control group. Amylase activity was higher in diabetics and decreased with improved glycemic control. Subjects reporting taste alterations had higher mean blood glucose levels than subjects with normal taste sensation.


CONCLUSIONS
Poorly controlled non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus has no influence on saliva output, although amylase activity may be elevated, and there may be taste alterations.
Dodds
M W
MW
Department of Community Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, USA.
Dodds
A P
AP
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000681:Amylases / Q000032:analysis; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010306:Parotid Gland / Q000378:metabolism; D012463:Saliva / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism*; D012471:Salivary Proteins and Peptides / Q000032:analysis*; D012636:Secretory Rate
D001786:Blood Glucose; D012471:Salivary Proteins and Peptides; D000681:Amylases