Estimation of gingival blood glucose using a sensitive self-monitoring device in periodontitis patients

Background: Diabetes Mellitus is a complex disease with varying degree of systemic and oral complications. The prognosis is quite favorable if a disease is diagnosed in early stages. Since a large number of patients seek dental treatment routinely, screening procedures for early detection of subclinical cases can help in diagnosis of asymptomatic diabetes. Aim: The present study was undertaken to evaluate if gingival crevicular blood can be used for the estimation of blood glucose levels in periodontitis patients. Material and Methods: A prospective study was carried out comprising 150 patients Group A comprised of 75 subjects with gingivitis and group B comprised of 75 subjects with periodontitis. For gingival crevicular blood glucose (GCBG) level estimation, the blood was drawn onto the glucometer strip after gently probing the gingival sulcus and the readings were recorded. At the same time, blood Vijayendra Pandey, Akhilesh Chandra, Deepak Kumar, Anup Kumar Singh, Priyankesh, Alok Kumar Gupta. Estimation of gingival blood glucose using a sensitive self-monitoring device in periodontitis patients. IAIM, 2019; 6(6): 51-56. Page 52 was also collected from the index finger onto the glucometer strip for the capillary finger-prick blood glucose (CFBG) sample. Both the values were compared and statistical analysis of data was performed. Results: The mean GCBGL and CFBGL in group A was 98.43 mg/dl ± 18.62 and 103.48 mg/dl ± 13.90 respectively, while in group B it was 136.37 mg/dl ± 36.95 and 141.62 mg/dl ± 51.84, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference (p> 0.05) between the two values in both the groups. Conclusion: It can be concluded that GCBG levels are positively correlated with CFBG levels. Therefore, clearly indicating that gingival crevicular blood collected during diagnostic periodontal examination may be an excellent source of blood sample for glucometric analysis.