Family History of Diabetes + Perio Disease May Indicate Undiagnosed Diabetic Patient. Refer to MD
Diabetes in the dental office: using NHANES III* to estimate the probability of undiagnosed disease
Source: J Periodontal Res. 2007 Dec;42(6):559-65
Borrell LN, Kunzel C, Lamster I, Lalla E.
Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
Summary of research:
• One third of diabetes cases remain undiagnosed.
• 60% of Americans see a dentist at least once per year.
• Dental professionals can screen patients for undiagnosed diabetes.
Results and conclusions:
• Periodontal patients with a family history of diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol bear a probability of 27-53% of having undiagnosed diabetes.
• Dental office could provide an important opportunity to identify individuals unaware of their diabetic status.
Key take-away
• It is critical to have a thoroughly completed and reviewed health history, including family history of any type of diabetes.
• Dental providers should consider referring patients with a family history of diabetes and refractory periodontal disease to their physician for diabetic screening.
Implementation strategies:
• Incorporate a simple diabetes screening for patients with a family history of diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and periodontal disease. **
• Identify and screen patients who are slow to heal after periodontal therapy or any dental surgical procedure.
• Involve the team in the development and use of the verbal skills to present this screening to those patients of concern.
“Mrs. Smith, as you know Dr. Williams’ first concern is always for his patients and their overall health and wellness. With your family history of diabetes and your current health concerns coupled with your slow healing and recurrent periodontal infection, Doctor has asked me to assist you with a simple **diabetes screening questionnaire. It only takes a minute or two to complete. Doctor Williams will evaluate your responses and recommend a consultation with your physician if necessary.”
*NHANES III, the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey is a database collected from 34,000 persons by the CDC, 1988-1994. It was designed to obtain nationally representative information on the health and nutritional status of the U.S. population.
**Use the companion Defeat Diabetes Screening Questionnaire attached.
To download a PDF file of the Defeat Diabetes Screening Test shown above CLICK HERE