Correlations between gingival crevicular blood glucose and capillary blood glucose: A preliminary report

INTRODUCTION: Oral health plays an important role for screening of many systemic diseases. Hence, dentists play an important role in screening for systemic diseases as well. Early diagnosis of any systemic diseases can prevent long-term complications. Diabetic is one of the common chronic diseases. Hence, the study had been undertaken to evaluate whether gingival crevicular blood (GCB) can be used to screen for diabetes during routine oral health checkups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This analytical study included thirty participants who visited the Department of Periodontics, who fulfilled inclusion criteria and were willing to participate. Blood samples were collected by finger stick method and periodontal probing. The glucose levels of both the samples were estimated using glucometer and correlated the levels from both the methods. RESULTS: Correlation between capillary finger stick blood glucose and GCB glucose was high (0.97) and was significant at 0.01 level. CONCLUSION: Blood oozing during routine periodontal examination can be used for diabetes mellitus screening in dental office.