Pre-Procedure Blood Sugar Levels in Diabetic and High-Risk Patients Visiting King Abdulaziz University Dental Hospital: The Role of the Dentist in Diabetes Screening

AIM: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a widespread problem. Satisfactory control of DM is essential for maintaining oral health and optimizing the outcomes of dental treatment; DM patients with poor glycaemic control have a high risk of dental treatment-related complications. Furthermore, the dentist and dental office can play an important role in DM screening. Therefore, this study aimed at measuring random blood glucose (RBG) levels in patients with established DM or high risk of DM seeking dental treatment at the King Abdulaziz University Dental Hospital to avoid treatment complications and execute an immediate physician referral. METHODS AND MATERIAL: This cross-sectional study included patients presenting to our institution for dental treatment, who were categorized as diabetic (established diagnosis) or at high risk of DM according to the American Diabetes Association criteria. Participants’ pre-procedure RBG level was assessed via a glucometer. High-risk participants were classified as per their blood glucose level into two groups (<200 mg/dL and >200 mg/dL), while the diabetic participants were placed into four groups (<140 mg/dL; 140 to <200 mg/dL; 200–300 mg/dL; and >300 mg/dL). RESULTS: This study included 695 patients (361 females and 334 males), of which 354 (52%) had established DM and 341 (48%) were high-risk patients. Around 31% of patients in the high-risk group were potentially diabetic but unaware of it; 46% of the diabetic patients had RBG levels >200 mg/dL. For the high-risk participants, age had a statistically significant association (P-value 0.03) with the RBG level. CONCLUSION: Pre-procedure RBG measurement in diabetic and high-risk patients undergoing dental treatment is crucial for the prevention of DM-related complications. Dental health-care professionals have a vital role in screening, early detection, and referral of these patients.