A study conducted in Chennai found that saliva samples may soon replace blood testing as the primary method of identifying and managing diabetes.

Researchers from the India Diabetes Research Foundation discovered that the amounts of particular hormones generated by adipose (fat) tissues affect the metabolic health of persons with type-2 diabetes. According to Dr A. Ramachandran, a leading diabetologist, investigations are being conducted around the world to study the connection between type 2 diabetes and developing periodontitis.

The study screened 615 private-sector workers over 35 without a history of diabetes and found that about 136 had a family history of either diabetes or hypertension. 90 individuals underwent a typical 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test. Of these, 53% had normal glucose tolerance, 18.9% had impaired glucose tolerance, and 27.8% had diabetes. The next day all the 90 individuals had their dental checkups and also the serum and salivary quantities of adipokines—cell signaling molecules produced by fat (adipose)—adiponectin, visfatin, vaspin, and apelin were examined.

The results showed lower concentrations of adipokines in saliva than in serum. Adiponectin levels were lower in the serum of diabetic people. Also, the visfatin levels were found to be lower in diabetics.

Experts concluded that more clinical investigations were required before this test could be standardized as a diagnostic tool. Evidence now suggests that this non-invasive technique may be able to identify type 2 diabetes earlier than serum tests. (ETHealthWorld, June 29, 2022)