Comparison of salivary and blood glucose in type ii diabetics and healthy adults in fasting and postprandial states

Type II diabetes mellitus is considered a major cause of mortality and a large percentage of diabetics live without being diagnosed. (International Diabetes Federation, 2014) Diabetes is known to affect salivary composition and function. (Panchbai et al., 2010) This study was done to examine correlation between salivary and blood glucose in type II diabetics and healthy adults. Salivary and blood glucose levels were estimated and compared in both groups. Eighty adults in age group of 30 - 50 years were included in our study and divided into 2 groups - diabetics and healthy adults. Blood and saliva samples were obtained from subjects after an overnight fast and 2 hours postprandial. Blood samples were analysed with hexokinase enzyme using an automated analyser and saliva samples with glucose oxidase enzyme using a colorimeter. Difference in salivary glucose levels between groups was determined by unpaired t test and correlation between blood and salivary glucose levels by correlation test. Salivary glucose levels were higher in diabetics (9.77 ± 5.34 mg/dl) when compared to controls (5.77 ± 2.01 mg/dl) in the fasting state and the difference (p<0.001) was significant. Postprandial salivary glucose levels were significantly different between the two groups (13.65 ± 5.92 vs 10.57 ± 3.07mg/dl, P<0.001). Correlation between blood and salivary glucose levels was not seen in both groups. Salivary glucose levels are significantly higher in diabetics in fasting and postprandial states in our study. Hence, estimation of salivary glucose levels can be used as a mass screening method for diabetes in large populations.