Diabetes is a major cause of mortality and morbidity. However, a large percentage of diabetics live without being diagnosed.⁹ The early diagnosis of diabetes can prevent early, long - term complications that are responsible for the high morbidity of diabetics. This major global risk is predicted to cause substantial financial loss due to increased health care expenditure and lost productivity.¹⁰ This makes the primary prevention of diabetes and its complications, of paramount importance. It is known that diabetes affects salivary composition and function.⁸This study was done to examine the effect of age on salivary and blood glucose levels in type II diabetics. Salivary and blood glucose levels were estimated and compared in both groups. The eighty adults included in our study belonged to the age group of 30 - 50 years and were divided into 2 groups - diabetics and healthy adults. Both groups were further divided into 4 groups based on age (30-35, 36-40, 41-45, 46-50 years). Blood samples were obtained from subjects after an overnight fast and 2 hours postprandial and analysed with hexokinase enzyme using an automated analyser. Saliva samples obtained from subjects after an overnight fast and 2 hours postprandial were assessed with glucose oxidase enzyme using a colorimeter. Salivary glucose levels were compared between diabetics and healthy adults by t-test. Relationship between salivary and blood glucose was assessed by correlation test. Difference in salivary and blood glucose levels between age groups was determined by Kruskal-Wallis test. Salivary glucose is significantly higher in diabetics (P<0.001). Correlation flanked by salivary and blood glucose is not seen. Further studies will help in use of salivary diagnostics for early and non-invasive diagnosis of diabetes. Blood glucose is highest in 36-40 years and salivary glucose in 46-50 years age group. There is a temporal shift in the age of diagnosis of diabetes.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; age; blood glucose; salivary glucose.

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Dr S. Srikanth

Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka – 560070, India