CHANGES IN TASTE SENSATION IN PATIENTS WI TH DIABETES-MELLITUS - REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

A review of the studies published over the last ten years showed that evaluations of subjective changes in taste sensation have been replace d by objective measurements that can be used for the early detection o f diabetes-related degenerative disease. Taste sensation changes are a n early manifestation of degenerative disease and may portend the deve lopment of more severe complications. They should be taken into accoun t in patient education programs and in the prevention of diabetes-rela ted neurovascular involvement.