Oral Disease Treatment Can Help Control High Glycemic Levels
Critical links between periodontal (gum)disease and the development of
type 2 diabetes, as well as the development andprogression of its complications, were reported here today in the firstever symposium presented by dentists to diabetes experts at the
American Diabetes Association's AnnualScientific Sessions at its 68th such event.
"One of the many complications of diabetes is a greater risk forperiodontal disease," said Maria E. Ryan, DDS, PhD, Professor of OralBiology and Pathology, and Director of Clinical Research, School of DentalMedicine, Stony Brook University, New York, in a recent interview. "If youhave this oral infection and inflammation, as with any infection, it's muchmore difficult to control blood glucose levels." Intensive periodontitistreatment significantly reduces levels of A1C, a measure of glucose controlover the prior two to three months.
These links between oral and systemic health may start even before clinicaldiabetes begins. "We have found evidence that the severity of periodontaldisease is associated with higher levels of insulin resistance, often aprecursor of type 2 diabetes, as well as with higher levels of A1C, ameasure of poor glycemic control of diabetes," she said.
The importance of these findings were emphasized by her colleague, GeorgeW. Taylor, DrPH, DMD, Associate Professor of Dentistry, Schools ofDentistry and Public Health, University of Michigan. "Several recentstudies have shown that having periodontal disease makes those with type 2diabetes more likely to develop worsened glycemic control and puts them atmuch greater risk of end-stage kidney disease and death," he reported.
"Given the numerous medical studies showing that good glycemic controlresults in reduced development and progression of diabetes complications,we believe there is the potential that periodontal treatment can provide anincrement in diabetes control and subsequently a reduction in the risk fordiabetes complications," said Dr. Taylor.
Nearly 21 million Americans have diabetes, a group of serious diseasescharacterized by high blood glucose levels that result from defects in thebody's ability to produce and/or use insulin. Diabetes can lead toseverely debilitating or fatal complications, such as heart disease,blindness, kidney disease, and amputation. It is the fifth leading causeof death by disease in the U.S. Type 2 occurs mainly in adults who areoverweight and ages 40 and older.
Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection and chronic inflammatory diseaseof the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It is a major causeof tooth loss in adults. In periodontitis, unremoved plaque hardens intocalculus (tartar), gums gradually begin to pull away from the teeth, andpockets form between the teeth and gums.
