Patients who attend regular appointments with an emergency dentist could be interested in the results of a recent study.
Researchers from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine suggested that visits to a dental professional could be useful for the diagnosis of diabetes.
With 70 percent of the US population receiving check-ups on a regular basis, scientists claim the illness could be highlighted in its earliest stages.
Published in the Journal of Dental Research, the study examined high-risk patients – with a history of diabetes in their family – by utilising a plasma glucose test.
Lead author Dr Evanthia Lalla said: “Relatively simple lifestyle changes in pre-diabetic individuals can prevent progression to frank diabetes, so identifying this group of individuals is also important.”
According to Diabetes.co.uk, the primary symptoms of the type-two form of the illness are excessive thirst, itchy skin, leg pain and frequent urination.
These telltale signs differ from those of the type-one form, which include loss of weight, blurred vision and weakness.