Study finds two dental parameters lead to early detection of diabetes

July 23, 2012

A recent study (published in the Journal of Dental Research) at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine and backed by The Jeffrey Epstein VI Foundation, among others, found that a early determination of diabetes can be made simply by going to the dentist.

A recent study at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine and backed by The Jeffrey Epstein VI Foundation, among others, found that a early determination of diabetes can be made simply by going to the dentist. The study has huge implications for the growing numbers of Americans who are developing type 2 diabetes.

Researchers found that a basic algorithm of two dental parameters (the number of missing teeth and percentage of deep periodontal pockets) can identify patients with unrecognized prediabetes or diabetes. The addition of the hemoglobin A1c test further improved the algorithm’s performance.

“Periodontal disease is an early complication of diabetes, and about 70% of U.S. adults see a dentist at least once a year,” says Dr. Ira Lamster, dean of CDM and senior author of the study.

“This study will hopefully become part of any routine dental checkup,” Jeffrey Epstein remarked, whose foundation supports cutting edge science research. “Together with a hemoglobin A1c test, it will vastly improve the prevention of type 2 diabetes.”

The study was published in the Journal of Dental Research.

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