Salivary Glucose as a Chairside Screening Tool for Diabetes and Periodontal Disease in Diabetic and Non-diabetic Subjects-A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Diabetes mellitus is conceivably among the most ancient diseases recognized by humankind. Periodontal disease is the inflammation of the periodontal tissues surrounding the tooth. Periodontitis and diabetes mellitus are two medical conditions that closely correlate with overt inflammatory processes. The most common method for estimating average glucose levels in a diabetic individual is through blood analysis. Blood glucose estimation is often invasive, uncomfortable, and painful. Considering this, it seems imperative to develop a painless, noninvasive technique for tracking a diabetic patient’s sugar levels. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was planned on 289 subjects wherein the parameters recorded were random blood glucose, salivary glucose levels, and periodontal pocket depth. Random blood glucose was recorded using a capillary prick test. A lancet was used to prick the finger and record the random blood glucose with a glucometer. An unstimulated saliva sample was collected and placed on the test strip connected to a glucometer. The readings thus obtained were recorded. The periodontal pocket depth was calculated using a calibrated periodontal probe (UNC-15). Results: The findings of this study show a positive relationship between random blood glucose, salivary glucose, and periodontal pocket depth. Salivary glucose can provide insight into the plasma glucose level of diabetic individuals, making it a valuable, noninvasive tool for regular glucose monitoring. Conclusion: Overall, the results imply that salivary glucose estimation is a safe, noninvasive, and painless method to determine glycemic control in a diabetic individual. An association between salivary glucose, blood glucose, and periodontal pocket depth indicates that comprehensive oral and periodontal care could potentially be useful in regulating glycemic control and lowering the risk of complications associated with diabetes.