Dental Clinics as Potent Sources for Screening Undiagnosed Diabetes and Prediabetes

Abstract Introduction This pilot study investigated the efficacy of dental clinics as potent sources for screening diabetes and prediabetes in undiagnosed individuals. Methods Data were randomly collected from 385 patients (aged 40 years and older) visiting dental clinics. Patients already having a diagnosis of diabetes and/or prediabetes were excluded. Demographic data, body mass index and family and dental histories were recorded. Signs and symptoms of diabetes were investigated. Random blood glucose levels (RBGLs) were recorded. Individuals with RBGL ≥110 mg/dL underwent the oral glucose tolerance test and the glycosylated hemoglobin test (HbA1c). Results Of the 385 patients, 60% (232) had RBGL Conclusions A high percentage of undiagnosed type 2 diabetes and prediabetes among patients visiting dental clinics was found compared with that reported in the medical literature. Further studies with a lager sample size are needed to confirm these results.