Development of noninvasive procedure for monitoring blood glucose level using gingival crevicular bleeding

Abstract

Introduction. Diabetes mellitus (DM) and chronic periodontitis are common chronic diseases in adults. It is usually necessary to provide a sample of capillary blood to measure blood glucose level in diabetics. However, it is possible to obtain blood during periodontal probing without any discomfort. The aim of the study was to evaluate accessibility of chair side noninvasive screening method for blood glucose level in DM during routine periodontal examination. Material and Methods. 15 non diabetics and 15 newly onset type 2 diabetic patients with moderate to severe periodontitis were selected for the study after meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria. Periodontal pocket probing was performed using Williams Graduated periodontal probe. Blood oozing from gingival sulcus of anterior teeth following periodontal pocket probing was collected with a stick of glucose self monitoring device. As control, finger stick capillary blood was taken. Results. Statistically significant correlation was observed between the blood glucose level in gingival crevicular blood (GCB) and peripheral fasting blood (PFB) in diabetic subjects. The mean GCB glucose level in diabetic subjects was 172.27±5.02 mg/dL while mean PFB glucose level was 167.80±8.87 mg/dL. The correlation coefficients for diabetic and non diabetic subjects were r=0.715 and r=0.619, respectively. Conclusion The results suggested that blood oozing during routine periodontal examination may be used for DM screening in dental office without the need for any extra procedure.

Keywords

• type 2 diabetes
• chronic periodontitis
• gingival crevicular fluid
• noninvasive method
• probing