INVESTIGATION OF THE LEVEL OF MONOSACCHARIDES IN SALIVA OF PATIENTS WITH IMPAIRED CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Carbohydrate metabolism disorders, including type 2 diabetes and obesity, are systemic diseases linked to metabolic dysfunction.
• Effective management requires strategies to lower blood glucose levels through diet, exercise, stress reduction, and sometimes bariatric surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate glucose, fructose, and galactose levels in the saliva of patients with various carbohydrate metabolism disorders.
• To establish correlations between salivary monosaccharide levels and blood plasma parameters.

Main Methods:

• Saliva samples were collected from 38 patients with type 2 diabetes, type 2 diabetes with obesity post-bariatric surgery, prediabetes, obesity, and impaired glucose tolerance, plus a healthy control group.
• Salivary parameters including salivation rate, pH, glucose, fructose, and galactose were quantified using high-liquid chromatography.
• Anthropometric indices and plasma lipid/carbohydrate profiles were also assessed.

Main Results:

• Patients with type 2 diabetes showed significantly lower salivary fructose levels (p<0.05).
• Individuals with impaired glucose tolerance exhibited significantly higher salivary galactose levels (p<0.05).
• Patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity post-bariatric surgery had the highest salivary glucose levels (p<0.05).

Conclusions:

• Salivary monosaccharide content varies significantly based on the type of carbohydrate metabolism disorder.
• While detectable, salivary monosaccharide levels are low, necessitating sensitive analytical methods.
• Saliva analysis offers a potential non-invasive method for assessing metabolic status.