Correlation between Salivary Glucose and Blood Glucose and the Implications of Salivary Factors on the Oral Health Status in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to estimate and assess any correlation between random capillary blood glucose (RCBG) and unstimulated whole salivary glucose (UWSG), as well as to estimate various salivary parameters, such as flow rate, pH, buffering capacity, and the influence of these factors on the oral health status in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).


METHODS
Sixty individuals suffering from type 2 DM and 40 healthy individuals in the age group of 30-60 years were included in the study. RCBG was estimated using glucometer and UWSG was estimated using photocolorimeter. Salivary parameters such as flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity were assessed using GC®Saliva kit. Oral health status was recorded using the Russell's periodontal index (RPI) and the Decayed Missing Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 16 was used for statistical analysis.


RESULTS
Type 2 diabetics had higher mean values for RCBG levels and UWSG. Type 2 diabetics had low mean salivary flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity. Type 2 diabetics had higher mean values for RPI.


CONCLUSIONS
Among the salivary factors studied, salivary glucose significantly influenced the periodontal status in Type 2 diabetics.
Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Coorg Institute of Dental Sciences, Maggula, Virajpet, Karnataka, India.
Kavitha A
KA
Puttaswamy
Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, JSS Dental College, Bannimantap, Mysuru, Karnataka, India.
Jaishankar H
JH
Puttabudhi
Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Coorg Institute of Dental Sciences, Maggula, Virajpet, Karnataka, India.
Shashidara
S
Raju
Buffering capacity; Type 2 Diabetes mellitus; flow rate; pH; unstimulated whole salivary glucose