Dental algorithm may identify diabetes, prediabetes

Lalla E. J Dent Res. 2011;90:855-860.

Dentists may have a role in intervening in the diabetes epidemic by identifying people who have diabetes and prediabetes and are unaware of their condition, according to researchers at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine.

The study, which was published in the Journal of Dental Research, included 600 patients who visited a dental clinic in northern Manhattan, New York. All participants were aged 40 years or older if non-Hispanic white and 30 years or older if Hispanic or non-white. None had been previously diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes.

More than 500 patients with a family history of diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension or who were overweight/obese received a periodontal exam and a finger stick, point-of-care HbA1c test. Patients returned for a fasting plasma glucose test so that researchers could examine and compare the performance of several potential identification protocols.

According to their findings, an algorithm of two dental parameters — the number of missing teeth and percentage of deep periodontal pockets — was an effective method for identifying patients with unrecognized prediabetes or diabetes. The algorithm was further improved by the addition of the point-of-care HbA1c test.

“Early recognition of diabetes has been the focus of efforts from medical and public health colleagues for years, as early treatment of affected individuals can limit the development of many serious complications,” Evanthia Lalla, DDS, MS, associate professor at the College of Dental Medicine, said in a press release. “Relatively simple lifestyle changes in prediabetic individuals can prevent progression to frank diabetes, so identifying this group of individuals is also important. Our findings provide a simple approach that can be easily used in all dental-care settings.”

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant disclosures.

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