Distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSPN) is the most common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the most common form of peripheral neuropathy. DSPN increases the risk of foot ulceration up to seven-fold, and is a significant risk factor in more than 60 % of the amputations of the lower limbs in patients with T2DM. The aims of our study were to evaluate the difference in the density of intraepidermal nerve fibers (IENF) in patients with respectively without DSPN, to evaluate the strength of the relationship between the symptomatology of the DSPN and IENF density and to define a cutoff value of the IENF density for the diagnosis of DSPN. We enrolled, according to a consecutive, population-based method, 36 patients with T2DM admitted in our Clinic. For all patients, we measured HbA1c, lipid profile, body mass index and we assessed the presence and severity of DSPN using the evaluation of clinical symptoms, nerve conduction velocity and IENF density quantification. The presence of neuropathy was significantly associated with a decreased density of IENF for both the proximal (11.6 vs. 14.9 fibers/mm; p = 0.014) and the distal biopsies (7.2 vs. 8.6 fibers/mm; p = 0.020). The optimal threshold value of IENF density (the point with the maximum sum of specificity and sensitivity), according to our model, was 10.1 fibers/mm. Skin biopsy followed by IENF density quantification is a valid, reliable tool for the diagnosis of DSPN.

Background/Objectives: Patients with diabetes (DM) are at an increased risk of infection, with urinary tract infections (UTIs) being common among individuals with type 2 DM (T2D). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for UTIs among hospitalized T2D patients from Timișoara, Romania. Methods: The hospital records of 1139 T2D adult inpatients who were ordered to provide urine cultures during hospitalization were reviewed. Results: The prevalence of UTIs among T2D patients was 19.7%, and was higher in women than in men (27.5% vs. 9.8%, p < 0.0001). Patients with UTIs presented a significantly older age, a longer duration of DM, a higher BMI, higher levels of HbA1c, higher renal function parameters, and more frequent DM-related complications and comorbidities than patients without UTIs. The following predictors were associated with increased UTI risk: age (OR = 1.05, p < 0.0001); duration of DM (OR = 1.04, p < 0.0001); BMI (OR = 1.05, p < 0.0002); HbA1c levels (OR = 1.58, p < 0.0001); female gender (OR = 3.47, p < 0.0001); and the presence of retinopathy (OR = 1.47, p = 0.0118), chronic kidney disease (OR = 3.98, p < 0.0001), distal symmetric polyneuropathy (OR = 7.65, p < 0.0001), and cerebrovascular disease (OR = 4.88, p < 0.0001). The use of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors did not influence the risk of developing UTIs. Conclusions: T2D patients with prolonged disease duration, poor glycemic control, and DM-related complications are at an increased risk of developing UTIs. Therefore, a targeted therapeutic strategy addressing these risk factors is essential.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most impactful health problems worldwide. It affects ocular health in multiple ways and is one of the leading causes of vision loss. Our study aimed to evaluate the most important systemic risk factors related to the occurrence of cataracts in patients with DM. Method: This study evaluated a final number of 319 participants who were previously diagnosed with DM. For all patients, we retrieved data regarding DM status, metabolic control, demographic and anthropometric indices, and generally associated comorbidities from their medical charts. A comprehensive eye examination was performed on all patients. Results: The main studied risk factors were hypertension, cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN), dyslipidemia, and hepatic steatosis, which were present among the entire population. Hypertension (67.6%), DPN (53.3%), and dyslipidemia (46.6%) were highly prevalent in the cataract subgroup, and CKD (p < 0.001) and DPN (p = 0.019) were found to be predictive factors for the probability of cataract occurrence. Ophthalmologic evaluation was used to assess the presence of ocular complications, such as diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic maculopathy. DR reached statistically significant values in the occurence of cataracts. Patients’ age and DM-related factors, such as disease duration (p < 0.001) and HbA1c values (p = 0.029), significantly increased the risk of cataracts. Smoking was self-reported by 24.8% of the patients, with a significant impact on the occurrence of cataracts (p = 0.04). Conclusions: Patients with DM who exhibit a longer disease duration and poor glycemic control in conjunction with systemic comorbidities present a higher risk of developing cataracts; consequently, a strict therapeutic approach regarding these risk factors is needed.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is associated with various oral health complications that can negatively impact quality of life. Despite evidence of the relationship between diabetes and oral health issues, limited research exists on the perceptions, behaviors, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of diabetic patients in Romania. This study aims to evaluate self-reported oral health, knowledge, behaviors, and OHRQoL among diabetic patients in western Romania. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in early 2024 at Pius Brinzeu County Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, involving 121 patients with type 2 diabetes. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires that assessed oral health status, behaviors, and OHRQoL, with the OHIP-14 instrument employed for quality-of-life measurement. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression, and correlation analyses to identify the predictors of oral health knowledge and OHRQoL. Results: Participants (mean age: 63.24 years; 52.1% female; 60.5% urban residents) reported significant oral health challenges. Over half (56.2%) did not visit a dentist regularly, with financial constraints identified as the primary barrier (23.5%). Oral hygiene practices were suboptimal: only 38.0% brushed twice daily, while 78.5% used fluoride toothpaste. Auxiliary hygiene tools, such as mouthwash and toothpicks, were rarely used (13.22% and 11.57%, respectively). Regression analyses identified the significant predictors of oral health knowledge, including tooth mobility (β = 0.33, p < 0.01) and brushing frequency (β = −0.18, p < 0.05). The mean OHIP-14 score (0.55) indicated a moderate impact on OHRQoL, with domains such as psychological discomfort and social disability revealing nuanced challenges. Conclusions: Diabetic patients in Romania face oral health challenges and care barriers, emphasizing the need for preventive strategies, oral health education, and integrated diabetes care. Addressing these gaps can improve oral health outcomes and overall quality of life in this vulnerable population.

Background/Objectives: The bidirectional relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) and periodontal disease (PD) has garnered increasing attention due to shared inflammatory mechanisms and mutual disease exacerbation. In Romania, despite a high prevalence of diabetes and PD, integration of oral health into diabetes care remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the association between glycemic control, salivary inflammatory biomarkers (IL-1β, IL-6, MMP-8), and periodontal status in diabetic patients. Additionally, it evaluated patients’ awareness of oral health risks and their communication with healthcare providers regarding periodontal care. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted between May and December 2024, involving 79 adult patients with confirmed type 1 or type 2 DM. Periodontal examinations assessed probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), plaque index (PI), and bleeding on probing (BOP). Salivary samples were collected to quantify IL-1β, IL-6, and MMP-8. Participants also completed a structured questionnaire on oral symptoms, hygiene practices, and awareness of the diabetes–periodontitis link. Correlation and t-test analyses were used to explore associations between clinical, biochemical, and self-reported variables. Results: Most participants had advanced periodontitis (65.8% Stage IV; 72.2% Grade C). IL-1β and IL-6 were positively correlated (r = 0.34, p < 0.01), while MMP-8 correlated with PI (r = 0.28) and BOP (r = 0.26). Inflammatory markers showed weak correlation with HbA1c. Notably, patients with higher oral health knowledge reported worse clinical indices, suggesting increased symptom awareness rather than preventive effectiveness. Conclusions: This study reinforces the inflammatory link between DM and PD and highlights the need for integrated care models. Periodontal screening and education should be embedded within diabetes management, particularly in high-risk populations.

Introduction: T2DM mellitus (T2DM) is a major global health issue associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and economic burden. While the role of lifestyle factors in glycemic control is well-established, the influence of oral health behaviors remains underexplored. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the interplay between lifestyle habits, oral health behaviors, and glycemic control in patients with T2DM. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 132 patients (66 men and 66 women) with T2DM at the Pius Brînzeu Emergency Hospital in Timișoara, Romania. Data on smoking, physical activity, alcohol consumption, tooth brushing frequency, and dental visits were collected using structured questionnaires, and glycemic control was assessed through HbA1c measurements. Statistical analyses, including Pearson correlations and linear regression, were performed. Results: Among men, HbA1c levels were negatively associated with exercise frequency (ß = −0.26, p < 0.05) and education level (correlation coefficient −0.27, p < 0.05), and positively associated with dental visits and tooth brushing frequency (correlation coefficient 0.26, p < 0.05). In the combined analysis, education level positively correlated with both dental visits (correlation coefficient 0.24, p < 0.01) and alcohol consumption (correlation coefficient 0.22, p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of integrating oral health and lifestyle interventions into diabetes management to optimize patient outcomes.