Diabetes

CHRONIC PERIODONTAL DISEASE COULD LEAD TO DIABETES
BETHESDA, Md. – April 19, 2001, – Chronic periodontal disease may contribute to diabetes, according to a review of recent research presented today. While it has been established that people with diabetes are more prone to developing periodontal disease, new research is suggesting that periodontal disease may, in turn, be a risk factor for diabetes.

The research review was presented at an American Academy of Periodontology (AAP)/National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) symposium on periodontal systemic connections in Bethesda, Md. Periodontal disease can cause bacteria to enter the bloodstream and activate immune cells. These activated cells produce inflammatory biological signals (cytokines) that have a destructive effect throughout the entire body.

CONTROLLED DIABETICS HAVE NEW REASON TO SMILE
CHICAGO – November 22, 1999 – Diabetes has long been known to increase the risk of severe periodontal disease. A study released today in the November issue of the Journal of Periodontology found that poorly controlled type 2 diabetic patients are more likely to develop periodontal disease than well-controlled diabetics are. In addition, the study further explains why diabetics are more susceptible to severe periodontal disease.

The study concluded that poorly controlled diabetics respond differently to bacterial plaque at the gum line than well-controlled diabetics and non-diabetics, possibly due to elevated serum triglycerides. Poorly controlled diabetics have more harmful proteins (cytokines) in their gingival tissue, causing destructive inflammation of the gums. In turn, beneficial proteins (growth factors) are reduced, interfering with the healing response to infection.

The American Academy of Periodontology is encouraging diabetics to get a periodontal evaluation during National Diabetes Month in November, as recent research also has found that having periodontal disease makes diabetes more difficult to control