The size and composition of the submandibular glands in late-onset diabetes.

Postmortem submandibular glands from 14 patients with late-onset diabetes mellitus were examined in a histomorphometric study and were compared with 14 control glands. The diabetic glands were larger than the control glands and showed increased volume fractions of the stromal components, including vessels, and proportionally less parenchyma. These findings indicate that the increased total volume present in submandibular glands in late-onset diabetes is mainly to increased volumes of fibrous tissue, fat and vessels.