Saliva Test Offers Early Warning for Type 2 Diabetes Risk
New Research Reveals Simple Spit Test May Detect Metabolic Changes
A groundbreaking study suggests that analyzing saliva could provide an early, non-invasive indicator of an individual’s risk for developing type 2 diabetes and obesity. This “spit test” may identify subtle metabolic shifts before they become apparent through other diagnostic methods.
Detecting Hidden Health Risks
Researchers at UBC Okanagan’s School of Health and Exercise Sciences conducted a study involving 94 adults with varying body sizes. Participants provided saliva samples and underwent a standard finger-prick blood glucose test following consumption of a meal-replacement shake.
Dr. Jonathan Little, the study’s lead author, observed a significant difference in salivary insulin levels. Individuals classified as having obesity exhibited considerably higher insulin concentrations in their saliva compared to those with lower body weight, even when their blood sugar readings were similar.
“People living with obesity had much higher insulin levels in their saliva than those who were slightly overweight or had lower body weight – even though their blood sugar levels were the same. This suggests that saliva testing could be a simple, non-invasive way to identify people at risk of type 2 diabetes before symptoms appear.”
—Dr. Jonathan Little, First Author
Understanding Prediabetes Early
Type 2 diabetes, a condition affecting over 400 million people globally, is typically diagnosed by elevated blood glucose levels. However, conditions like insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, which precede type 2 diabetes, can manifest a decade or two earlier.
The early detection of hyperinsulinemia through a saliva test could enable timely interventions. This allows for the introduction of lifestyle modifications and other treatments long before blood glucose levels begin to rise, potentially averting the onset of the disease.
Hyperinsulinemia has been linked to the development of various chronic health issues, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, and certain types of cancer, according to prior research.
A Practical Non-Invasive Approach
Dr. Hossein Rafiei, a co-author, highlighted the study’s aim to develop a practical, non-invasive method for identifying hyperinsulinemia. He noted an interesting finding emerged related to the consumption of the meal-replacement drink.
According to the CDC, in 2021, 37.3 million Americans, or 11.7% of the population, had diabetes, and 8.1 million of them were undiagnosed. Early detection through methods like saliva testing could be crucial in managing this growing public health challenge.
Further details on this research can be accessed via the study’s publication.
