Six-month outcomes in dental patients identified with hyperglycaemia: a randomized clinical trial

Aim: To assess an approach to improving behavioural and glycaemic outcomes in dental patients who present with diabetes risk factors and previously unrecognized hyperglycaemia. Methods: We randomized 101 individuals identified with potential diabetes or pre-diabetes into two interventions. In the basic/control intervention, participants were informed about their diabetes risk factors and blood test result, and advised to see a physician. In the enhanced/test intervention, patients received a detailed explanation of findings and their implications, a written report for the physician, and were contacted at 2 and 4 months to inquire whether medical follow-up had occurred. At a 6-month re-evaluation, outcome measures included visit to physician, positive lifestyle changes and reduction in HbA1c. Results: Seventy-three subjects returned for the 6-month visit. The two intervention groups did not significantly differ in any of the outcome variables. Eighty-four percent of subjects reported having visited a physician post-randomization, and 49% reported at least one positive lifestyle change as a result of our intervention. In subjects identified with potential diabetes (baseline HbA1c >= 6.5%), HbA1c was reduced 1.46 +/- 0.28% compared to baseline (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Diabetes risk assessment and education by dental professionals of affected individuals unaware of their status may contribute to improved patient outcomes.