Taste detection and preferences in diabetics and their relatives

In order to determine whether a generalized defect in glucose recognition exists in diabetes, taste detection and preference were measured in adult onset diabetics (AOD), juvenile onset diabetics (JOD), and healthy first-degree relatives of diabetics (NR). Controls (C) were age and sex matched nondiabetics without first-degree diabetic relatives. The AOD and NR gorups showed significantly higher glucose thresholds than their controls. In contrast, glucose threshold in JOD was not different from C. The AOD group also demonstrated a higher sucrose threshold than C. This difference was not present for JOD or NR groups. No difference in salt detection was seen in any of the groups. Taste preference was assessed by two choice situations and ratings of test solutions of varying concentrations. No significant difference in glucose or sucrose preference were noted, but both the AOD and NR groups preferred lower salt concentrations than C. These findings indicate that thery may be a widespread impariment of cellular glucose recognition in AOD and their relatives, while JOD have a specific beta cell defect.