How a simple test during dental appointment may help detect diabetes earlier | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload ourSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleElla PickoverTuesday 03 March 2026 01:57 GMTRelated: ‘Groundbreaking’ drug could slow down progression of type 1 diabetesNew academic research suggests that a simple diabetes test conducted during routine dental appointments could significantly boost the diagnosis rate for type 2 diabetes in the UK.An estimated 1.3 million people in the UK are living with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, with a further six million thought to have prediabetes, often without their awareness.Researchers propose offering a “chairside” HbA1c finger-prick blood test, which provides results in just six minutes, to dental patients exhibiting key risk factors such as age, gum disease or a high body mass index (BMI).A study involving patients at Guy’s Dental Hospital found that 35 per cent of those without a prior diabetes diagnosis showed signs of diabetes or prediabetes, underscoring the dental visit as a crucial opportunity for early detection.Experts highlight the importance of identifying prediabetes for early intervention, though the British Dental Association warns that this potential will remain unfulfilled without substantial government investment in dentistry.In fullThe quick ‘chairside’ dentist test that could boost diabetes diagnosis ratesThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in