This article is from the WebMD News Archive
Saliva Test for Diabetes, Prediabetes
Proteins in Saliva May Mark Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes
Reviewed by
Louise Chang, MD
Jan. 21, 2009 -- Researchers are working on a saliva test to spot prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
The saliva test would be a simple, noninvasive way to prevent or monitor those conditions, note the scientists, who included Paturi Rao, MD, of Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences University in Hyderabad, India.
Rao's team compared proteins in saliva samples from 10 people with type 2 diabetes, 20 people with prediabetes, and 10 healthy people.
A total of 65 salivary proteins differed between the diabetes patients and people without prediabetes or diabetes.
Several of those proteins were more abundant in the diabetes patients than people with prediabetes. So if levels of those proteins start rising, that might mark the shift from prediabetes to diabetes, note Rao and colleagues.
The saliva test for diabetes and prediabetes isn't ready for mainstream use. First, it needs to be tested on larger groups of people.
Rao's team describes the test in detail in the Journal of Proteome Research. Several of the researchers work for DiabetOmics, a Beaverton, Ore., company that is developing the saliva test.
© 2009 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
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Is This Normal?
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Your level is currently NormalHigh (hyperglycemia).Low (hypoglycemia). |
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Your blood sugar level is slightly high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is currently normal. However, if you are concerned about diabetes speak with your physician. There may be other risk factors that increase your risk for diabetes.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your blood sugar level may be high, depending on when you last ate. If you have not eaten for at least 8 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 100. If you've eaten within the last 2 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 140. You should call your health care provider and ask if you need laboratory tests to check for diabetes. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Blood sugars consistently above 180 warrant prompt medical attention.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your blood sugar level is high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
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