Xerostomia and fissured tongue in Libyan patients with type 2 diabetes: An evaluation of their relationship

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a common metabolic disorder, involves reduced insulin secretion and tissue sensitivity. About 95% of diabetes cases are T2DM, mainly affecting adults. Measuring HbA1c in blood is key for assessing diabetic Control treatment. Diabetic patients (DPs), especially those with poor glycemic control, are more prone to suffering from xerostomia (dry mouth). Fissured tongue (FT) is often linked to DM. Xerostomia, a common condition among DPs, can affect the development of FT. Aim of the work: The goal of this study is to assess the relationship between xerostomia and FT in individuals with T2DM. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed 426 Libyan participants with T2DM. Medical and dental histories, age, gender, and HbA1c levels were evaluated to determine diabetes control. Questionnaires were utilized to identify xerostomia along with analyses of demographic data. Chi-square assessed tests the relationship between xerostomia and FT, with a p-value < 0.05 considered significant. Result: In a study of 426 patients with T2DM, 226 (53.1%) had xerostomia, and 327 (76.8%) had FT. Among those with xerostomia, 82.7% had glycemically uncontrolled diabetes, while 79.2% of those with FT were also glycemically uncontrolled. A strong, significant relationship was established between xerostomia and FT in Libyan individuals with T2DM. Conclusion: Many uncontrolled DPs had a high prevalence of xerostomia and fissured tongue. Our research reveals a strong correlation between these conditions in Libyan patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).