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.
RCT Entities:
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.
Authors: Z Yonel; K Kuningas; P Sharma; M Dutton; Z Jalal; P Cockwell; J Webber; P Narendran; T Dietrich; I L C Chapple Journal: BMC Med Inform Decis Mak Date: 2022-09-22 Impact factor: 3.298