di abetes Mellitus (dM) is reported with and associated to oral alterations, with conflicting results.The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of oral soft tissue alterations in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Material and Methods:Socioeconomic variables, gender, heredity, capillary glucose control and local factors (prosthesis, dry mouth sensation) were analyzed in 196 diabetic and non-diabetic patients enrolled in HiperdiA, at 41 Health units of natal, Brazil.Study Design: A case study. Results:The last blood glucose mean was 177.0 mg/dl for diabetics and 89.46 mg/dl for nondiabetics. Mean capillary blood glucose was elevated in diabetics (215.95 mg/dl); it was 102.31 mg/dl in non-diabetics. The family history confirmed the heredity nature of the disease in 68.8% of diabetic patients (n = 66) (p < 0.001); salivary flow was 49% (n = 47) in diabetics, and 34% (n = 34) in non-diabetics. Candidiasis was present in 30.5% of diabetic patients (n=29) and 36% of nondiabetics (n=36). Both groups had lesions in the palate -81.4% (n = 35) in diabetics, and 71.1% in non-diabetics (n = 27) (p = 0.68). Conclusion:The alterations are not related to diabetes and are present independently of having or not type 2 diabetes Mellitus. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2011;77(2):145-52. ORIgInAL ARTIcLE BJORL