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Random plasma glucose values measured in community dental practices: findings from The Dental Practice-Based Research Network

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Abstract

Objectives

This study aimed to examine feasibility of testing and frequency of abnormal plasma glucose among dental patients in The Dental Practice-Based Research Network.

Methods

Eligible dental patients were ≥19 years old and had at least one American Diabetes Association-defined risk factor for diabetes mellitus or an existing diagnosis of diabetes or pre-diabetes. Random (fasting not required) plasma glucose was measured in standardized fashion using a commercial glucometer. Readings <70 or >300 mg/dl triggered re-testing. Patients with glucose ≥126 mg/dl were referred for medical follow-up.

Results

Of 498 subjects in 28 dental practices, 491 (98 %) consented and 418 (85.1 %) qualified for testing. Fifty-one patients (12.2 %) had diabetes; 24 (5.7 %) had pre-diabetes. Glucose ranged from 50 to 465 mg/dl. One hundred twenty-nine subjects (31 %) had readings outside the normal range; of these, 28 (6.7 %) had readings <80 mg/dl and 101 (24.2 %) had readings ≥126 mg/dl; in nine patients (seven with diabetes), glucose was >200 mg/dl.

Conclusions

A significant proportion of patients tested had abnormal blood glucose. Routine glucose testing in dental practice of populations at risk or diagnosed with diabetes may be beneficial and community dental practices hold promise as settings for diabetes and pre-diabetes screening and monitoring.

Clinical relevance

Results suggest that implementation of glucose measurement in dental practice may provide important clinical and health information for both patients and practitioners.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by National Institutes of Health grants U01-DE-16746, U19-DE-22516, and U01-DE-16747. Opinions and assertions contained herein are those of the authors and are not to be construed as necessarily representing the views of the respective organizations or the National Institutes of Health. The informed consent of all human subjects who participated in this investigation was obtained after the nature of the procedures had been explained fully. Dr. Safford was also supported by NIDDK P60-DK-079626.

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Correspondence to Andrei Barasch.

Additional information

The DPBRN Collaborative Group includes practitioner–investigators, faculty investigators, and staff investigators who contributed to this DPBRN activity. A list is at www.dpbrn.org/users/publications/Default.aspx.

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Barasch, A., Gilbert, G.H., Spurlock, N. et al. Random plasma glucose values measured in community dental practices: findings from The Dental Practice-Based Research Network. Clin Oral Invest 17, 1383–1388 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-012-0825-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-012-0825-y

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