What Is Diabetes?

By Valeria Sanchez

Team Dental at River Oaks

. https://www.teamdentalatriveroaks.com

More Heart Disease, Stroke and Diabetes Articles

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a metabolic disease where the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or doesn't respond to the insulin that is produced. This results in higher than normal blood sugar (glucose) and unregulated levels of blood sugar.

Much of the food we eat is converted into sugar for our bodies to use for energy. When you have diabetes your body doesn't make enough insulin, which causes the sugar to build up in the blood. As a result, the cells don't get the sugar they need to function properly. If glucose isn't reaching the cells, over time the high blood sugar can cause damage to nerves and blood vessels.

Gum Disease

Uncontrolled diabetes can eventually cause vision loss, and even kidney failure. Another concern for people with diabetes is that they are at higher risk for gum disease. This dental disease is also known as periodontal disease. With increasing age and poor blood sugar control it can increase the risk for bone loss in your gums and cause infections.

High blood glucose helps bacteria to breed in the gums, leading to gum disease and periodontitis. Gum care is among the most important and least appreciated aspects of self-management of diabetes. If you have diabetes or even suspect you have the symptoms of diabetes you should definitely be seeing a dentist on a regular basis. A dentist may recommend having a professional deep cleaning, and other measures, which will help you maintain your gums. It is always best to practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly.

Heart Disease and Stroke

Did you know that having diabetes will always put you at higher risk for heart disease and stroke? The bacteria from your gums gets into your bloodstream and circulates throughout the body. It finds places to colonize and grows there. And example of this is bacterial endocarditis.

You can lower your risk by keeping your blood sugar, blood pressure, and blood cholesterol close to the recommended numbers suggested by your doctor. Choosing foods wisely and being physically active will help you maintain your health.

People with diabetes have more challenges than most people, but meeting those challenges, and visiting your health providers on a regular basis will help you live a healthier, and happier, life.