Abstract
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 a source 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 and positive 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.