SALIVARY BIOMARKERS AS NON-INVASIVE ALTERNATIVE TO BLOOD GLUCOSE MONITORING – A REVIEW

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a growing global health concern necessitating frequent monitoring of blood glucose levels for effective management. Traditional blood glucose monitoring methods are invasive, often causing patient discomfort and compliance issues. This review systematically synthesizes current evidence on the use of salivary biomarkers, particularly salivary glucose, as a non-invasive, convenient alternative for blood glucose monitoring. Extensive database searches were conducted to identify relevant studies published in the last decade, evaluating the correlation between salivary and blood glucose, biosensor technologies, and challenges impacting clinical application. Findings indicate a promising positive correlation and significant advancements in saliva-based glucose detection technologies, though variability in saliva composition and methodological limitations are noted. The review concludes by highlighting the need for standardized protocols, large-scale clinical validation, and integration of biosensor innovations to establish saliva as a reliable medium for diabetic glucose monitoring. These insights provide a foundational understanding for future research directions aimed at improving patient compliance and diabetes care through non-invasive methods.