Subjective smell‐ and taste loss in diabetes—A questionnaire‐based study on 47 011 individuals with diabetes and matched controls
Authors' conclusion
Individuals with type 2 diabetes report more chemosensory complaints than controls. Smoking and obesity, but not HbA1c, were associated with a higher prevalence of symptoms.
Study context
- Population
- Individuals with or without diabetes in the Health in Central Denmark (HICD) cohort
- Participants
- 47,011 individuals
- Exposure
- Diabetes vs matched controls
- Outcome
- Self-reported taste and smell dysfunction (8 questionnaire items)
Methodological detailsquestionnaire-based, matched controls
- Questionnaire-based
- Matched controls
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Self-reported chemosensory complaints
- T2D reported significantly more qualitative and quantitative chemosensory complaints than matched controls
- No significant differences between T1D and controls
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Associated factors
- Smoking consistently associated with increased complaints across all groups
- HbA1c showed no correlation with taste or smell disorders
- Obesity, particularly in women with diabetes, linked to higher symptom reporting
Original publication
Subjective smell‐ and taste loss in diabetes—A questionnaire‐based study on 47 011 individuals with diabetes and matched controls. Diabetes Obes Metab. Published 8 September 2025. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →