A Case Control Study of Pap smear in Diabetic Patients

The infections of the genital tract are common in reproductive-age women and the associated cost is significant. Diabetes mellitus is commonly considered a predisposing factor for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. Hyperglycemia enhances the ability of C. albicans to bind to vaginal epithelial cells. We analyse the prevalance of correlation of inflammation and Candida in particular in papsmear in women with diabetes mellitus in comparison to normal nondiabetic women. A retrospective study was carried out in Sree Balaji Medical College in which pap smears were reviewed in 100 non pregnant women enrolling for WOMEN CARE CHECK-UP. The study was carried out in 33 diabetic and 67 normal healthy women as controls, all in age range between 28-66 years. Inflammatory changes were seen both in diabetic and non diabetic women .Prevalance of candida was found to be more in diabetic women as compared to non diabetic women which was found to be statistically significant. Diabetes mellitus has been considered as one of the factors causing Candida vaginitis. It is mandatory to do periodic papsmear review for all diabetic females for early diagnosis and effective treatment of candidiasis.