Oral Candidiasis in Diabetic Patients
Summary
Oral candidiasis is a frequent opportunistic infection in individuals with diabetes mellitus, arising from complex interactions between host metabolic dysfunction and fungal pathogenicity. Chronic hyperglycaemia promotes a permissive environment for Candida species by impairing neutrophil function, altering salivary composition and reducing mucosal immunity. Salivary hyperglycaemia enhances fungal adhesion and biofilm formation on mucosal surfaces, while xerostomia and shifts in pH further disrupt oral microbial homeostasis. The predominant pathogen, Candida albicans, often coexists with non-albicans species, complicating clinical presentation and influencing antifungal susceptibility. Manifestations range from pseudomembranous plaques and erythematous lesions to angular cheilitis, with severity correlating with poor glycaemic control and longer disease duration. Globally, the burden is amplified by rising diabetes prevalence and the challenge of antifungal resistance, underscoring the need for early detection, strict metabolic management and tailored therapeutic strategies. Advances in point-of-care diagnostics and insight into host-pathogen interactions are informing preventive measures and novel interventions to mitigate morbidity among diabetic populations.
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Oral Candidiasis in Diabetic Patients publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in oral candidiasis in diabetic patients across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Hyperglycaemia: Persistently elevated blood glucose levels that impair immune cell function and promote fungal growth.
Glycaemic control: The degree to which blood glucose levels are maintained within target ranges, often assessed by HbA1c, influencing infection risk.
Biofilm: Structured microbial community embedded in extracellular matrix that enhances Candida adherence and resistance to antifungal agents.
Azole antifungals: A class of agents that inhibit fungal ergosterol synthesis but face emerging resistance among Candida species.
References
- Oral Findings, Salivary Copper, Magnesium, and Leptin in Type II Diabetic Patients in Relation to Oral Candida Species. International Journal of Microbiology (2024).
- Subgingival areas as potential reservoirs of different Candida spp in type 2 diabetes patients and healthy subjects. PLOS ONE (2019).
- Candida sp. Infections in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus. Journal of Clinical Medicine (2019).
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