Oral manifestations and complications of diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease affecting all age groups. It is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Many chronic macrovascular and microvascular complications of diabetes have been reported in the literature with few reports about oral complications. This article aims to review and increase the awareness of oral manifestations and complications of diabetes mellitus and to stimulate research on the subject. It treats in depth some of the complications such as periodontal disease, fungal infection and salivary dysfunction while other complications are mentioned briefly

Assessment of quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Oman

To measure quality of life of type 2 diabetes patients in Oman, and examine which patients' socio-demographic and diabetes-related clinical characteristics are associated with better quality of life. This cross-sectional study of 200 diabetic subjects was conducted in Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Al-Khod, Oman between April and September 2009. A short form of the diabetes quality of life questionnaire [DQoL] was used to elicit indices of quality of life on subjects [n=200] seeking consultation at the diabetic outpatient clinic. Socio-demographic variables, body mass index [kg/m] and clinical parameters relevant for the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, including glycated hemoglobin A1c level, [HbA1c], were also sought. The results show that patients with less than 5 years of disease duration and HbA1c less than 8% reported significantly better overall DQoL. Patients with HbA1c less than 8% showed significantly higher glycemic control satisfaction score. The same trend was observed in patients with less than 5 years duration of diabetes. Patients with ages less than 40 years have significantly better self care adherence scores and total score of QoL. Patients' reported moderate DQoL, which appears to be related to demographics, medical history, and management regimens. Patients with HbA1c less than 8% showed significantly higher glycemic control satisfaction score. Furthermore, patients who are less than 40 years of age have significantly better quality of life compared to other age groups

Correlation between serum leptin levels, Body Mass Index and obesity in Omanis

To ascertain the relationship between serum leptin levels and related variables [weight, Body Mass Index [BMI] and fat percentage] in a group of Omani obese and non-obese healthy subjects. Leptin levels were assessed in serum samples from 35 obese Omanis and 20 non-obese healthy subjects. There was a significant difference [p< 0.001] in serum leptin between the obese group [34.78 +/- 13.96 ng/ml] and the control non-obese subjects [10.6 +/- 4.2 ng/ml]. Leptin levels were higher in females compared to males. There was a significantly positive correlation between leptin levels in obese subjects with weight [p=0.002], body fat percentage [p=0.0001] and BMI [p=0.001]. We concluded that serum leptin levels are higher in the Omani obese group and correlate positively with body fatness and obesity