[Taste sensitivity diminution in hyperglycemic type 2 diabetics patients].
OBJECTIVE
To determine the relationship between fasting blood glucose (FBG) values and gustatory sensitivity alterations in type 2 diabetic patients (DM2) without peripheral neuropathy (PNP).


METHODS
Assessment of the strength of association between FBG and detection and recognition taste thresholds for the four primary tastes measured by chemical gustometry were performed in 140 DM2 without PNP with evolution < 10 years.


RESULTS
FBG values above 7.77 mmol/L (140 mg/dL) induce in a dependent manner, the increase in the detection and recognition taste thresholds only to sweetness; whereas, values above 16.65 mmol/L (300 mg/dL) did not cause further decreasing in taste acuity to sweet flavor. Statistically significant differences where found for detection and recognition, taste thresholds for sucrose between well controlled (HbA1c < or = 7 %) normoglycemic and hyperglycemic diabetics, as well as between alarming uncontrolled (HbA1c > 10 %) normoglycemic and hyperglycemic patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Hyperglycemia induces a concentration-dependent impairment of sweet taste perception in DM2 patients as the result of an adaptation of the sensory cell to elevated circulating concentrations of glucose.
Bustos-Saldaña
Rafael
R
Hospital General de Zona con Unidad de Medicina Familiar 9, Ciudad Guzmán, Jalisco, México. rafaelb@cusur.udg.mx
Alfaro-Rodríguez
Martín
M
Solís-Ruiz
María de la Luz
Mde L
Trujillo-Hernández
Benjamín
B
Pacheco-Carrasco
Mauro
M
Vázquez-Jiménez
Clemente
C
Celis-de la Rosa
Alfredo de Jesús
Ade J
D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013651:Taste Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*