Gingival Crevicular Blood for Assessment of Blood Glucose Levels

Background and aims. A high number of patients with periodontitis may have undiagnosed diabetes. It is possible that gingival crevicular blood from routine periodontal probing may be asource of blood for glucose measurements. The aim of this study was to compare gingival crevicular blood and fingerstick blood glucose measurements using a self-monitoring device with the standard laboratory plasma glucose measurement. Materials and methods. 30 patients with periodontitis andpositive bleeding on probing were chosen. Blood samples of two sites were analyzed using a glucose self-monitoring device. In 50 diabetic and 50 non-diabetic patients, after testing fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glucose levels in gingival crevicular blood (GCBG), and capillary fingerstick blood (CFBG) samples were analyzed using the same device. Results. In non-diabetics, the analysis of agreement failed to prove sufficient agreement between the paired methods (FPG CFBG, FPG GCBG, and CFBG GCBG). In diabetics, this analysis revealed sufficient agreement only between FPG CFBG, and between FPG GCBG measurements. Conclusion. Gingival crevicular blood can be used for testing blood glucose during periodontal examination in diabetic periodontal patients but not in non-diabetic individuals.