RecruitingInterventional

Introducing diabetes checks in dental settings: a study to explore whether dental settings can be used to identify new cases of prediabetes and diabetes

This study, called 'Introducing Diabetes Checks in Dental Settings', wants to see if your dental team can help identify people who might be at risk of developing diabetes. Many people visit their dentist regularly even when they feel well, unlike their GP. This regular contact could mean that potential health issues like prediabetes or diabetes are spotted earlier. The study will ask patients aged 40-80 years, who don't already have diabetes, to complete a short questionnaire and have a finger-prick blood test. Some might also be asked for a saliva sample. By taking part, you'll help researchers understand if dental visits can play an important role in catching diabetes sooner, which could lead to better health outcomes for many people.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Birmingham

Enrolment target

10,000

Start

16 Dec 2024

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2028

Diabetes

What is this study about?

This research wants to find out if dental practices can be a good place to check for early signs of diabetes or prediabetes. The idea behind this is quite simple: lots of people go to their dentist regularly for check-ups, even when they're feeling perfectly healthy. On the other hand, many only see their GP when something's already wrong. This means that dental teams might have a unique chance to spot potential health problems, like diabetes, much sooner than they would otherwise be found.

Catching diabetes early is really important because it means people can get the help and support they need sooner. This can make a big difference to their long-term health and well-being. Plus, we know that people with severe gum disease, also known as periodontitis, are more likely to have other long-lasting health conditions, including type 2 diabetes. So, looking at dental patients could be an extra way to find those who might be at risk. This study welcomes all dental patients to take part, regardless of their gum health.

If this study shows that checking for diabetes at the dentist works well and is something both patients and dental teams are happy with, it could lead to new ways of helping people get an earlier diagnosis. This would be good for patients' health and could also help the NHS by reducing more serious health problems later on. The study is run from dental practices across the UK and is supported by the University of Birmingham and funded by Haleon Plc.

Key takeaways

Your regular dentist could help spot early signs of diabetes.
The study involves a questionnaire and a simple finger-prick blood test.
It's for dental patients aged 40-80 who don't already have diabetes.
Taking part helps improve early detection of diabetes for others.
Knowing your risk of diabetes is a potential personal benefit.
There's a small chance of worry if you learn you're at risk.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this research, you need to be a patient attending your regular dental appointment. You must be between 40 and 80 years old and be able to understand and agree to participate in the study.

It's important that you haven't already been told by a doctor or nurse that you have diabetes (type 1 or type 2), or prediabetes. Also, you shouldn't have had a diabetes test in the last 12 months. People with certain blood conditions like sickle cell or sickle cell trait cannot take part. If you are pregnant, you also won't be able to join the study.

Essentially, the study is looking for everyday dental patients in a specific age range who haven't recently been checked for diabetes and don't have existing diabetes or certain other health conditions.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 40 and 80 years old?
Do you currently visit the dentist regularly?
Have you NOT been told you have diabetes (type 1 or type 2) or prediabetes?
Have you NOT had a diabetes test in the last 12 months?
Are you NOT pregnant and do you NOT have sickle cell condition?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, the dental team will first invite you to read some information about the study. If you agree, you'll be asked to complete a short questionnaire. After that, you'll have a simple finger-prick blood test, which is similar to what's used to check blood sugar levels at home. You will also be asked if you are willing to give a small sample of your saliva. The study aims to look at how these checks work in a dental setting. The total duration of your participation would be during your regular dental visit.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer some direct benefits to you. It will give you information about your personal risk of diabetes, which could be helpful for your health. Beyond that, your participation will help doctors and researchers understand if dental practices are a good place to find people at risk of diabetes earlier. This could lead to better health for many people in the future. The risks of taking part are very small, but it's worth thinking about. Knowing you might be at risk of diabetes could cause some stress or worry. If you think this might make you anxious, you might decide not to participate, and that's perfectly fine. You are always free to decide not to take part or to withdraw at any time.

Locations (39)

Birmingham Dental Specialists
Approximate
Birmingham, England
Darrell House Dental Practice
Approximate
Dunstable, England
Chong Kwan Dental Care
City only
Dunfermline, Scotland
Claregate Dental Practice
City only
Wolverhampton, England
Peninsula Dental Plymouth
Approximate
Plymouth, England
Evesham Dental Health Team
Approximate
Evesham, England
Glossop Dental Centre
City only
Glossop, England
Hafren House Dental Practice
City only
Alfreton, England
Hertfordshire Centre for Dentistry
City only
Harpenden, England
Hitchin Dental
Approximate
Hitchin, England
John G Plummer and Associates
Unverified
Norwich, England
Houghton Regis Dental Practice
Unverified
Houghton Regis, Dunstable, England

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to see if dental practices can help identify people at risk of diabetes or prediabetes earlier.

Will I get my test results?

Yes, participating in the study will provide insight into your diabetes risk.

Is the finger-prick test painful?

The finger-prick test is a quick and generally mild procedure, similar to checking blood sugar levels at home.

What if I already have diabetes?

If you already have a diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you won't be able to join this particular study.

Who is paying for this study?

The study is being funded by Haleon Plc.

How to find out more

Zehra Yonel

z.yonel@bham.ac.uk +44 (0)1214665128 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.