The Effect of Sweet and Salty Taste Sensitivity on Growth Parameters and Body Composition among Type 1 Diabetic Patients
Author(s): Tabarak Adil Rasool* and Ban Sahib Diab
Abstract
Background: The increased prevalence of overweight and obesity in childhood has implications for their future health. There are many potential contributors to overweight and obesity in childhood. Diabetes is becoming more common, which is a growing public health concern taste sensitivity, could be one of the risk factors leading to diabetes and obesity.
Aim: This study was conducted in order to determine the effect of taste detection thresholds on body compositions among type 1 diabetic patients and its relation to weight status.
Subjects and methods: A study design of cross-sectional comparative approach was adopted. All subjects with type 1 diabetes attending medical Hospitals with specific inclusion criteria were included in the sample of the current study (50 subject) which compared with healthy subjects (control group 70 subject) who were attending dental health centre from different geographical regions in Baghdad city/Iraq. The threshold sensitivity of salt and sweet taste was assessed using a two-alternative forced choice question with each component presented in five different quantities. Weight measurements were taken using a digital weighing scale, height measurements were done by using ordinary measuring tape. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated by using "BMI-for-age". Bioelectrical impedance technique was used for determining the subject’s body composition.
Results: The findings of this research revealed that no significant association was found between diabetes status and taste thresholds, and between diabetic status and weight status, and the mean value of all body compositions were found to be higher in non-diabetic group with non-significant differences. While the relation between salt taste threshold and bone among diabetic group was significant.
Conclusion: Within the present data it was concluded that there was less considerable association between type 1 diabetes and body composition, and the diabetes status had no effect on taste detection thresholds.