Altered Taste Function in Young Individuals With Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract

Past studies on altered taste function in individuals with type 1 diabetes have yielded inconsistent results. We therefore evaluated taste recognition and possible association with personal and diseases characteristics in young individuals with type 1 diabetes and healthy controls. Taste recognition and intensity for 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP), quinine, citric acid, sucrose, and sodium chloride were assessed using a filter paper method in 276 participants with type 1 diabetes and 147 healthy controls. Personal and clinical data were recorded for all participants during a baseline visit. Regression analysis was adjusted for sex, age, and standardized BMI. Overall, 47% of participants with type 1 diabetes vs. 63.5% of healthy controls recognized all tastes (p = 0.006). Moreover, a lower capacity for recognizing the bitter taste of PROP and the sour taste of citric acid was found in participants with type 1 diabetes compared to healthy controls (p = 0.014 and p = 0.003, respectively). While no significant effect of glycemic control on taste recognition was found, an association with lower age at onset emerged. Our findings suggest an impaired taste perception in individuals with type 1 diabetes, possibly linked to age at onset.

4-Hexylresorcinol and Its Effects on Circumvallate Papillae Taste Buds in Diabetic and Healthy Rats: An Initial Investigation

“…The mitochondrial antioxidant enzymes, by counteracting oxidative stress, help maintain a conducive cellular environment within the taste buds, thus preserving taste perception [43]. This is particularly pertinent considering the adverse impact of taste disorders on nutritional intake and the overall quality of life of individuals with DM [13,35]. Our serum findings further enriched our understanding of this mechanism.…”

“…Moreover, altered taste perception can lead to inadequate nutrition, as individuals may avoid certain foods or consume others in excess, potentially resulting in malnutrition or the exacerbation of obesity, which are both common challenges in diabetic care [34]. Furthermore, taste disturbances may deter patients from adhering to dietary recommendations, which is critical for managing DM and preventing its associated complications [13]. Hence, understanding and addressing neuropathy-induced taste disturbances in individuals with DM not only elucidates a lesser-known complication of this metabolic disorder, but also opens avenues for improving dietary management and overall quality of life for these patients.…”

“…Moreover, the supportive cells surrounding TRCs may also be compromised, further impairing taste perception. The resultant taste disorders could potentially exacerbate the dietary challenges faced by individuals with DM, underscoring the necessity of understanding and addressing the histopathological alterations in taste buds that are induced by DM [6,13].…”

Investigating the Short-Term Effect of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy on Different Neuronal Sub-classes in Circumvallate Papilla in Rats

“…DM-related neuropathy affects nerve conduction, which affect neurotrophins-dependent innervation and impact taste perception. Numerous studies have shown taste impairment in T2DM, but the pathogenesis of such dysgeusia is still unclear (21,22) . This impairment may be due to micro-and macro-vascular complications of hyperglycemia, oxidative damage, reduced growth factor support and oral mucosal inflammation (22,23) .…”

Cranial Nerve Affection in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Assessed by Corneal Confocal Microscopy, Smell and Taste Tests

“…Cozzini et al found reduced corneal nerve fber density in adolescents with T1D compared to healthy control subjects [11]. Yilmaz et al found reduced smell function in 30 children with T1D compared to control subjects, but within the normal ranges [12], and Catamo et al demonstrated impaired taste perception in young individuals (aged 6 to 20 years) with T1D [13]. Te sparse number of studies makes it difcult to conclude whether cranial nerve afection in adolescents with T1D is a problem or not, and studies of adults with T1D have shown contradictory results [14][15][16][17][18].…”