Link Between Diabetes and Gum Disease

By Ana M. Arango, DDS

Ana M. Arango, DDS

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Link Between Diabetes and Gum Disease

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar (glucose) levels that result from defects in insulin secretion by the pancreas, or action, or both. Diabetes mellitus, commonly referred to as diabetes (as it will be in this article), was first identified as a disease associated with “sweet urine,” and excessive muscle loss. Elevated levels of blood glucose (hyperglycemia) lead to spillage of glucose into the urine, hence the term “sweet urine.”

Several studies and clinical findings show that there is a strong link between diabetes and gum disease (periodontitis). Diabetic patients are more likely to develop periodontal disease.

One reason is that people with high glucose levels are more susceptible to contracting infections and don't have the same reparative process as a healthy individual. Poorly controlled diabetic patients are more likely to develop the periodontal condition than well-controlled diabetic patients.

Also, studies have shown that for diabetic patients with a periodontal condition, it is more difficult to control their blood sugar levels.

Researchers have always stated that periodontal disease was one more complication for the diabetic population. But new studies have shown that periodontal disease actually increases the glucose in the blood, a co-factor that worsens the condition in diabetic patients. These studies also show that the physiological response to gum disease is a body-wide inflammatory response, which in turn increases insulin resistance.

A study of 165 veterans found that over a period of four months, those given periodontal care had slightly better blood sugars and were less likely to need higher insulin doses. This suggests that treating gum disease may indeed improve the course of diabetes.

So, to conclude, always visit your dentist for cleanings and dental and periodontal evaluations every six months. Just by doing this you can prevent a lot of systemic conditions like diabetes mellitus.

If you or a family member has already been diagnosed with this metabolic disease, don't hesitate to visit your dentist or dental hygienist every four months.