Parotid salivary secretion in diabetic autonomic neuropathy

Parotid salivary flow rates and amylase concentrations were measured in three groups of eight subjects each (normal control, non-neuropathic diabetic, and neuropathic diabetic). Flow rates were significantly reduced in neuropathic diabetic patients as compared with normal controls (p less than 0.001) and non-neuropathic diabetic patients (p less than 0.02). Amylase concentrations were similar. These data are consistent with parasympathetic denervation of the parotid gland in diabetic neuropathy and provide evidence for a widespread distribution of autonomic denervation in diabetes.