Taste dyfunction in obese type 2 diabetic individuals

Obesity is a well-known risk factor for many diseases. It is also known to enhance complications of many diseases eg. Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study was done to assess the gustatory functions in obese T2DM individuals. This study was done to assess the gustatory functions in obese T2DM subjects and compare the same with lean T2DM individuals. A comparative study with a sample size of 40 was conducted. Patients aged 25 to 50 years with T2DM < 5 years duration and HBA1C ≤ 7 were divided into 2 groups, Group I- with normal weight (BMI of 18.5 to <25) and Group II with grade 1 obesity (BMI of 30 to < 35). Triple Drop Test was done to evaluate gustatory functions. Scoring from “5” to “1” was done on the identification of different concentrations of tastants. Taste scores for sweet, salty, sour, and bitter tastants were lesser in obese diabetics as compared to the lean T2DM subjects. This was statistically significant (p < 0.05) Conclusion: Taste impairment is observed in obese diabetic subjects. This could be an indication of early central diabetic neuropathy. Hypogeusia may cause an increased preference for sweet-tasting or salty foods thus imposing greater health risks, increasing obesity, and negatively affecting the quality of life.