PREVALENCE OF COEXISTING DIABETES MELLITUS AND HYPERTENSION AMONG DENTAL PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Diabetes mellitus and hypertension are quite important in dental settings as may present as an emergency during dental treatment or may necessitate a modification in the patient's management.

To determine the prevalence of coexistence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension among a group of dental outpatients and to assess the relationship between these medical conditions and a cross-section of factors.

A cross sectional survey of 203 outpatients presenting in a Dental Clinic within a Tertiary hospital was undertaken. The capillary blood glucose of respondents was measured using a glucometer. Patients with a random blood glucose (RBS) ≥ 200 mg/dl were considered diabetic. Their blood pressure (BP) was assessed using a digital sphygmomanometer and a systolic BP of <120-139 and diastolic BP of <80-89 mmHg was taken as normal. Relationship between the two parameters was tested using Chi-square and p-value <0.05 was taken as statistically significant.

The age range of respondents was 16-75 years with a mean of 40.4 ±13.1 years and most (56.2%) of them were females. Their mean blood glucose was 108.7± 43.1 mg/dl, mean systolic blood pressure was 121.2 ± 14.9 mm Hg and mean diastolic blood pressure was 76.8 ± 13.3 mm Hg. Twenty-seven (13.3%) had high systolic BP, while 37 (18.2%) had high diastolic BP. Nine (4.4%) had their blood glucose in the range of diabetes. There was a co-existence of high blood glucose and diastolic blood pressure in 6 (3.0%) of the respondents and statistically significant association (p = .000) between the blood glucose and diastolic blood pressure.

Dentists should note that co-existence of diabetes mellitus and diabetes in a dental patient is an index of increased morbidity and mortality and should always screen for these medical conditions.