IADR Abstract Archives
Patients with undiagnosed diabetes mellitus can be identified by dentists
Objectives: The Danish Diabetes Association has estimated that 200.000 individuals may suffer from undiagnosed diabetes mellitus (DM), and that there may be as much as 750.000 undiagnosed prediabetics in Denmark. The objective of the study was to reveal the number of undiagnosed diabetics and prediabetics in a dental setting.
Methods: 291 individuals aged more than 18 yrs. attending School of Dentistry, University of Copenhagen for regular dental treatment were included in the study. All participants answered a questionnaire concerning general health, including family history of diabetes. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated (weight (kg)/height (cm)2), waist circumference was measured, and fat percentage was monitored by a TANITA Body Composition Analyzer SC -330. Full mouth periodontal probing depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) was registered. Radiographic bone level (RBL) was measured on bite wings (BW) from enamel-cementum-junction (EMJ) to the most apical part of bone level mesial and distal in premolars and molars. In addition, glycated hemoglobin level (HbA1c) was measured chair side by a Siemens DCA VantageTM Analyzer. All individuals were immediately informed about their HbA1c status using the American Diabetes Associations guidelines, and refereed to their general practitioner in case of increased values.
Results: From a total of 291 participants, we identified 8 (2.7%) individuals with undiagnosed DM and 97 (33.2%) with prediabetes. Increased PPD and CAL were associated with increased HbA1c. The highest prevalence of undiagnosed DM was found in individuals with mean RBL above 4-mm, waist measurement above recommended values and no family background with diabetes.
Conclusions: The study confirms that individuals with undiagnosed DM and prediabetes are seen in the dental setting and they are identifiable by simple means. Since most individuals are often in close contact with the dental office it may be advantageous to imply measurement of HbA1c in selected individuals.
Methods: 291 individuals aged more than 18 yrs. attending School of Dentistry, University of Copenhagen for regular dental treatment were included in the study. All participants answered a questionnaire concerning general health, including family history of diabetes. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated (weight (kg)/height (cm)2), waist circumference was measured, and fat percentage was monitored by a TANITA Body Composition Analyzer SC -330. Full mouth periodontal probing depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) was registered. Radiographic bone level (RBL) was measured on bite wings (BW) from enamel-cementum-junction (EMJ) to the most apical part of bone level mesial and distal in premolars and molars. In addition, glycated hemoglobin level (HbA1c) was measured chair side by a Siemens DCA VantageTM Analyzer. All individuals were immediately informed about their HbA1c status using the American Diabetes Associations guidelines, and refereed to their general practitioner in case of increased values.
Results: From a total of 291 participants, we identified 8 (2.7%) individuals with undiagnosed DM and 97 (33.2%) with prediabetes. Increased PPD and CAL were associated with increased HbA1c. The highest prevalence of undiagnosed DM was found in individuals with mean RBL above 4-mm, waist measurement above recommended values and no family background with diabetes.
Conclusions: The study confirms that individuals with undiagnosed DM and prediabetes are seen in the dental setting and they are identifiable by simple means. Since most individuals are often in close contact with the dental office it may be advantageous to imply measurement of HbA1c in selected individuals.