OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of xerostomia on the quality of life (QOL) of adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1). STUDY DESIGN: The sample was comprised of 51 adolescents with DM1. Diabetic status was determined by glycosylated hemoglobin (HbG) and capillary glucose (CG) tests. Poor metabolic control was defined as HbG >8.0% and CG <90 mg/dL or >130 mg/dL. Measurement of salivary flow was performed by means of stimulated saliva collection. Xerostomia was detected by asking a question about the sensation of having "dry mouth," and OHIP-14 was used to measure the impact of xerostomia on QOL. RESULTS: A total of 52.9% of subjects presented with xerostomia and 40.8% with hyposalivation. Significant differences between the subjects with and without xerostomia regarding metabolic control levels were not observed (P > .05). However, OHIP-14 scores were significantly different between the subjects with and without xerostomia (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Xerostomia is frequent and has a negative impact on QOL of adolescents with DM1.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of xerostomia on the quality of life (QOL) of adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1). STUDY DESIGN: The sample was comprised of 51 adolescents with DM1. Diabetic status was determined by glycosylated hemoglobin (HbG) and capillary glucose (CG) tests. Poor metabolic control was defined as HbG >8.0% and CG <90 mg/dL or >130 mg/dL. Measurement of salivary flow was performed by means of stimulated saliva collection. Xerostomia was detected by asking a question about the sensation of having "dry mouth," and OHIP-14 was used to measure the impact of xerostomia on QOL. RESULTS: A total of 52.9% of subjects presented with xerostomia and 40.8% with hyposalivation. Significant differences between the subjects with and without xerostomia regarding metabolic control levels were not observed (P > .05). However, OHIP-14 scores were significantly different between the subjects with and without xerostomia (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS:Xerostomia is frequent and has a negative impact on QOL of adolescents with DM1.