Effect of periodontal inflammation on gingival crevicular and finger-prick blood glucose in gingivitis and periodontitis groups: A cross-sectional study

Context: Periodontal inflammation can influence blood glucose control, linking diabetes and periodontal disease. Gingival crevicular blood (GCB) offers a simple, minimally invasive alternative to finger-prick blood glucose (FPBG) testing. Aims and Objectives: To compare GCB and FPBG levels and examine their correlation with periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) and periodontal epithelial surface areas (PESA) in gingivitis and periodontitis. Settings and Design: Cross-sectional observational study at the Department of Periodontics, GSL Dental College and Hospital. Methods and Materials: Twenty-four systemically healthy participants (gingivitis and periodontitis groups) underwent GCB and FPBG glucose testing. PISA and PESA were calculated from full-mouth charting. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, USA). Independent and paired t -tests were used, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Glucose levels (GCB and FPBG) were significantly higher in periodontitis than gingivitis ( P < 0.05). PISA and PESA were markedly greater in periodontitis ( P < 0.001). Glucose values positively correlated with periodontal parameters (PISA and PESA). Conclusion: GCB glucose values closely matched FPBG readings, validating its use for chairside screening. Its correlation with PISA and PESA highlights the metabolic relevance of periodontal inflammation and the role of dental visits in early diabetes detection.