Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder, associated with hyperglycemia affecting the population worldwide. Plasma glucose levels were determined in type II diabetes, although inflammatory or degenerative changes in salivary glands have been shown in animal models. Recently salivary enzymes levels were studied in type II diabetes mellitus in human beigns.
Scope of the present investigation
Saliva is used as diagnostic tool for many diseases. The biochemical parameters like SGOT, SGPT, LDH and Amylase have been analyzed to find salivary gland dysfunction. so that saliva may be used for detecting type II diabetes mellitus.
How blood glucose levels significantly increased
Fasting and Postprandial blood glucose levels were significantly increased due to decreased and impaired transport and uptake of glucose into muscles and also due to repression of key glycolytic enzymes.
Salivary enzymes
Salivary enzymes levels are increased mainly due to marked dysfunction of secretory capacity of salivary glands. In type II diabetes there is possible leakage in saliva of cytosolic enzymes and they act as a marker of salivary cell injury.
Conclusion
From the current biochemical studies salivary enzymes were markedly changed. Determination of cytosolic enzymes of saliva may be useful for monitoring the diabetic involvement of salivary glands. Hence saliva can be used as diagnostic tool for detecting type II diabetes mellitus by estimating the salivary enzymes like asparate, alanine transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase.