In-dental office screening for diabetes mellitus using gingival crevicular blood

AIM: To evaluate whether during routine periodontal examination blood from gingival tissues can be used for determining glucose levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with gingivitis or periodontitis and bleeding on probing (BOP) were chosen. The following clinical periodontal parameters were noted: probing depth, BOP, gingival bleeding index, and periodontal disease index. Blood samples were collected from gingival crevicular blood (GCB) and capillary finger prick blood (CFB). These samples were analyzed using a glucose self-monitoring device. RESULTS: Descriptive statistical analysis was carried out in the present study. Data were analyzed using a Pearson's correlation coefficient and Student's t-test. An r-value of 0.97 shows very strong correlation between CFB and GCB, which was statistically highly significant (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The authors conclude that GCB may serve as potential source of screening blood glucose during routine periodontal examination in populations with an unknown history of diabetes mellitus.