diabetic oral candidiasis: Prevalence determination based on A1c value at Haji hospital, Surabaya

Hyperglycemia due to insulin resistance, lack of insulin secretion or both, in long-term condition can lead to metabolic disease known as diabetes mellitus. A1c which refers to glycated hemoglobin can be used in diabetes diagnosis that can indicate long-term blood sugar level and blood sugar control. Along with other habitual predisposing factor, uncontrolled diabetes is the main predisposing factors of oral candidiasis. A descriptive observational study with a cross-sectional method was conducted. Inclusive criteria were patients with A1c value > 6.5%, aged ≤ 65 years old and outpatients in Haji Hospital Surabaya. Exclusive criteria were smokers, denture wearers, patients who consumed medications other than ones for diabetes, and unable to open mouth. Oral swab was done in participants with and without oral candidiasis lesion for fungal examination using direct KOH and Candida culture to identify the species. Out of 38 diabetic patients, 18 suffered from oral candidiasis in which 6 of them were categorized as controlled diabetes (A1c > 6.5-8%) while the rest 12 patients included in uncontrolled diabetes category (A1c > 8%). Statistical analysis showed no significant relation between oral candidiasis and A1c value (p=0.4373; p>0.05). This may conclude that the occurrence of oral candidiasis was not fully affected by A1c value, it might be affected by other oral candidiasis predisposing factors.