FREQUENCY OF DIABETES MELLITUS IN PATIENTS WITH ORAL LICHEN PLANUS

Abstract

Background

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a mucosal inflammatory disease of the mouth, which results in pain and burning in the mouth along with lesions. The etiology of OLP is not clearly known, but it is known that there is an involvement of immune-mediated processes. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a condition marked by persistent hyperglycemia, and the relationship between the two has been mentioned to have a possibility; however, the direct connection between the two has not yet been clearly defined. This paper examines the prevalence of diabetes among patients with OLP diagnosed.

Objectives

The main purpose of the study is to determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus among patients with oral lichen planus. It is also interested in estimating the demographic and clinical features of the OLP patients, more so, their relationship with DM.

Place and Duration of study: From December 2024 to May 2025 Dermatology Department, Sandeman Provincial Hospital Quetta

Methodology

The cross-sectional study was done on 100 patients diagnosed with oral lichen planus and referred to a dermatology clinic within a period of six months. Clinical and histopathological examination led to a diagnosis. Blood glucose levels were measured to determine the presence of diabetes. The information on age, gender, and clinical features of OLP was noted. The association between OLP and diabetes was analysed using chi-square with a p-value of less than 0.05 as a significant statistical value.

Results
Out of 100 patients, 38 (38%) had diabetes mellitus, with 75% showing mild to moderate OLP lesions. The mean age of diabetic patients was 58.1 years (SD ± 6.9), compared to 52.4 years (SD ± 8.4) in non-diabetic patients. A significant association was found between erosive OLP lesions and diabetes (p = 0.002). Diabetic patients also exhibited more severe forms of OLP.

Conclusion

This study indicates that there is a strong connection between oral lichen planus and diabetes mellitus, and the prevalence of diabetes is higher among patients with OLP. Diabetes can also cause or worsen OLP in individuals with erosive lesions. Early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes are essential to the prevention of OLP development.