Analysis of Influencing Factors on the Olfactory Function of Diabetic Patients

Park, Si Young; Koo, Han Eol; Koo, Soo Kweon; Lee, Sang Hwa; Son, Sung Pyo; Jang, Hyeong Jun; Roh, Hwan Jung

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Diabetes mellitus has been known as a multisystemic disorder that causes chronic complications, and diabetic peripheral and autonomic neuropathy may affect olfaction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the olfactory status of diabetic patients and the influencing factors on olfaction. Materials and Method: The olfactory status was evaluated with the recognition threshold of T and T olfactometery to diabetic group of 37 patients (19 male, 18 female) and control group of 115 healthy adults (56 male, 59 female). To the diabetic group, retrospective analysis of diabetic duration, alcohol and smoking history, and associated chronic complication such as neuropathy, retinopathy and nephropathy was done. And fasting blood sugar and HbA1c level was assessed. The statistical analysis was performed using Students t-test and Spearman methods.
RESULTS
The olfactory recognition threshold of the diabetic group was significantly higher than that of the control group according to age, and there was no significant difference of the recognition threshold between male and female in both diabetic and control groups. The recognition threshold was significantly correlated with diabetic duration, associated complications and serum HbA1c level in the diabetic group. However, serum fasting sugar level and smoking history did not affect the recognition threshold in diabetic group.
CONCLUSION
The diabetic patients with inappropriate sugar control have decreased olfaction than healthy normal control. We suggest that diabetic duration, associated chronic complications, and serum HbA1c level may be the influencing factors of olfactory dysfuction of diabetes.