Saliva and Blood Glucose Parametric Analysis among Individuals Attending Kenyatta University Teaching Referral and Research Hospital in Nairobi County, Kenya
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Date
2025-11
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus occur due to defect in glucose metabolism. It is characterized by the body’s inability to regulate blood glucose. Abnormally high glucose in the blood is poisonous to the body organs and can lead to its failure and subsequent death. Two thirds of diabetes cases in Africa remain unrecognized. The objective of this study was to determine the level of saliva glucose, analyze the relationship between saliva glucose and blood glucose and describe the association between glucose in saliva and HbA1c. A cross sectional study with a sample size of 105 volunteers at Kenyatta university teaching referral and research hospital was conducted. Study participants were recruited using stratified and convenience sampling methods. Approximately two millilitres (2mls) of fasting and random unstimulated saliva specimen were separately collected in a universal bottle. Approximately three millilitres (3mls) of fasting and random blood samples were collected in a fluoride vacutainer. The measurements of glucose in blood and saliva specimens were done using Mindray BS 120 auto analyser. HbA1c was analysed using Clover A1c. The mean glucose levels in random blood samples of diabetic individuals was 13.49±0.61 millimole/litre whereas the random blood sample of non-diabetic individuals had a mean glucose level of 5.57±0.10 millimole/litre (p<0.001).The mean glucose levels in random saliva samples of diabetic individuals was 0.367±0.040 millimole/litre whereas the random saliva sample of non-diabetic individuals had a mean glucose level of 0.023±0.002 millimole/litre (p<0.001). A positive correlation was observed between random blood glucose levels and HbA1c (r =0.76; p<0.001) in diabetic participants. Random saliva glucose levels and HbA1c percentages of diabetic patients showed a significant correlation (r =0.48; p=<0.001). A significant correlation was observed between random blood glucose levels and HbA1c level (r =0.59; p<0.001). Random saliva glucose levels and HbA1c showed a significant positive correlation (r =0.36; p=<0.01) in non-diabetic patients. Whereas fasting saliva glucose levels of non-diabetic patients with HbA1c level was (r =0.20; p=<0.17). The study concluded that saliva has a measurable level of glucose both in fasting and at random state. However, at fasting state, the glucose level is too low. Blood glucose has a stronger positive correlation with Hba1c than saliva glucose. The relationship is stronger when samples are taken at random. Blood glucose showed a strong correlation to saliva glucose. The correlation is stronger in random samples than in fasting samples. This study recommends manufacture of Prototype test kit for saliva glucose for trial purposes. Further, saliva glucose level can be used to screen for diabetes mellitus but should not be used for glycemic control measure. Blood glucose and HbA1c are the gold standard. This study also recommends development of a formula to amplify the low glucose readings made in saliva specimen as compared to blood.
Description
A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirement for the Award of the Degree of Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (Clinical Chemistry) in the School of Health Science of Kenyatta University, November 2025.
Supervisor
1. Dr. Nelson Menza-Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Kenyatta University
2. Dr. Dorothy Nyamai-Division of Cancer sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester