A recent study carried out at King’s College London has revealed that a significant number of dental patients might be living with undiagnosed diabetes or prediabetes. Many patients visit their dentist more frequently, or routinely, than their GP. The research reinforces the vital role that dental professionals have in the identification of wider systemic issues – often as the primary step.
The connection between diabetes and oral health has already been well established for a while, with particular association to periodontal disease.
Breaking research
The research found that over one third of patients that were tested during routine dental appointments showed elevated blood glucose levels, despite having no previous diagnosis of diabetes. This makes check-ups the perfect opportunity for early detection, particularly among patients who may not regularly engage with other areas of healthcare.
As mentioned by Dental Tribune, screening was carried out using a finger-prick haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test, which reveals average blood glucose levels over the previous two to three months. The study was based on a cohort of more than 900 patients in a secondary care dental setting.
Lead author Dr Mark Ide, professor of periodontics at King’s, spoke on the study: “When the test reveals high levels of HbA1c, patients can then see their general medical practitioner to investigate further. This is something they might not have done without having the dental screening. Most of the patients in our study were surprised that they had elevated HbA1c levels and had no idea they might have prediabetes or diabetes.”
The importance of the dental team
With relevant training and supported referral pathways, a simple chairside assessment could help indicate patients at risk, encouraging them towards more specialist medical evaluation.
As the prevalence of diabetes continues to increase, early detection remains crucial. By viewing the various areas of the healthcare system as more of a coherent team rather than branches of different systemic issues, patient health will undoubtedly see positive results. Dental practices are ideally positioned to support earlier diagnosis and improved patient outcomes.
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