Comparison and Correlation of Glucose Levels in Serum and Saliva of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Background and objectives

In Diabetes Mellitus, an important aspect of glycaemic control is to regularly monitor glucose levels. Current methods employed, either require a blood sample or urine sample. These procedures usually cause pain and discomfort to the patient. Hence, arises the need for a noninvasive technique in diagnosis and in monitoring glycaemic status of an individual. The study was undertaken in an attempt to compare and correlate glucose levels in saliva and serum of patients with diabetes and non-diabetic healthy individuals, to determine the efficacy of saliva as a diagnostic aid.

Method

250 individuals visiting diabetic clinics were screened randomly. Of these, 200 were confirmed diabetics and were under medication (Study Group). The remaining 50 gave neither a past history of diabetes nor did their present glycemic status depicted high values (Control Group). Venous blood and salivary samples were obtained from each individual and subjected to glucose estimation. Both fasting and post-prandial samples were analyzed.

Results and observations

Glucose was detected in the saliva of both diabetic and non-diabetics. The fasting salivary glucose values in the control group ranged from 4.1 to 13.3 mg/dl and the postprandial salivary glucose values from 12.5 to 20.0 mg/dl. The fasting salivary glucose values in the study group ranged from 4.1 to 26.6 mg/dl and the Post-prandial salivary glucose values from 15.3 to 30.7 mg/dl. It was observed that as blood glucose levels changed in both fasting and post-prandial samples, so did salivary glucose levels, irrespective of age and sex. A significant P value < 0.001 and positive correlation was found between blood glucose and salivary glucose levels in both the diabetics and the controls.

Conclusion

It can thus be inferred that saliva can be used as an adjunct diagnostic tool in Diabetes Mellitus.