Non-invasive Glucose Test as an Alternative Detector for Diabetes Mellitus: Basis for the Development of Laboratory Activity for Grade 10 Science

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes Mellitus is one of the four major non-communicable diseases that cause death worldwide (WHO, 2916). Prevention and early diagnosis are important to battle this illness. Saliva is one of the most abundant secretions in the human body and its collection is non-invasive (Suresh, et al., 2016). This study aimed to use saliva as an alternative non-invasive glucose test for Diabetes Mellitus. To determine the effectiveness of saliva as a diagnostic tool, saliva glucose levels were compared with blood glucose levels in diabetic and non-diabetic subjects.

METHODS

In coordination with the Maragondon Rural Health Unit,30 subjects were included in the study -15 diabetic and 15 non-diabetic subjects. The subjects were asked to come to Barangay Tulay B Health Center at around 7 a.m. after 6-8 hours of fasting. Blood samples were extracted from capillary vessels and subjected to glucose meter for blood glucose level reading. Five milliliters of unstimulated saliva were collected from the subjects for laboratory procedure in Emilio Aguinaldo College-Cavite. To determine the saliva glucose level, Profame Diagnostic Reagent was utilized with a spectrophotometer (V -1100D) and was computed using the equation absorbance of the saliva divided by the absorbance of the standard multiplied by 100.

RESULTS

The range of the saliva glucose level for diabetic subjects was higher compared to non-diabetic subjects. It can be inferred that diabetic subjects have high concentration of glucose in their saliva. Testing the difference between the blood glucose levels and saliva glucose of levels of diabetic subjects at 5% level of significance showed no significant difference between them which can prove that saliva can be utilized as a non-invasive glucose test for Diabetes Mellitus. As for non-diabetic subjects, there was a significant difference and weak correlation. Several factors could have contributed to the result such as the reaction of O-toluidine to proteins present in the mouth of the subjects and their dental conditions.

DISCUSSIONS

The results showed that non-invasive glucose test using saliva can be used to detect Diabetes Mellitus. The results of the study were also utilized in the development of a laboratory activity for Grade 10 Science to develop 21st-century skills among learners and at the same time promoting awareness on Diabetes Mellitus. Further studies can be conducted to test the reliability of saliva as a diagnostic tool for Diabetes Mellitus.