Dentists could use chairside tests to help detect diabetes

A UK hospital study of 911 dental patients found that a quick finger‑prick HbA1c test given at the dental chair identified previously undiagnosed diabetes or prediabetes in about 35% of patients without a prior diagnosis.

A recent study examined whether routine dental visits could be used to identify undiagnosed diabetes and prediabetes. Researchers reviewed data from patients seen at Guy's Dental Hospital in London and reported links between gum disease and raised blood sugar. The study focused on a quick finger‑prick HbA1c test that takes around six minutes. Authors said dental settings might offer a chance to detect elevated blood sugar earlier. Key findings: - The analysis used data from 911 people enrolled in the Oral, Dental and Craniofacial Biobank study at Guy's Dental Hospital. - About 83% of those patients were reported to have gum disease. - Excluding patients already diagnosed with diabetes, roughly 35% of the remaining group were found to have diabetes or prediabetes without being aware of it. - The HbA1c chairside test is described as a simple finger‑prick blood check that takes about six minutes. - Authors in the British Journal of Surgery reported that the dental visit could be an important opportunity for early detection and suggested chairside screening in dental settings. - Study authors noted that when tests show elevated HbA1c, dentists could refer patients for further assessment by their general practitioner, and that the approach could be used outside a hospital setting. Summary: The study reports a notable share of dental patients with untreated raised blood sugar and highlights the HbA1c finger‑prick test as a rapid option during dental appointments. Researchers suggest chairside screening in dental practices as a way to identify people with undiagnosed diabetes or prediabetes, and they note that the test was conducted in a hospital setting but could be applied more broadly.