gum disease · oral concerns · The Mouth Body Connection ·Nov 22, 2023

Is there a Correlation Between Diabetes and Gum Disease?

Let’s look at an example of how the mouth and body are related. There is a direct correlation between periodontitis and diabetes. Among the US population 11.3% (37.3 million people) have diabetes, with approximately 1 in 4 not aware of having the disease. The total US population with pre-diabetes is 38% (96 million people aged 18 years or older).

Did you know November is American Diabetes Month to raise awareness of diabetes symptoms, promote healthy living, and ensure people are aware of risk factors.

What is Diabetes?

When we eat or drink carbohydrates, they are broken down to glucose and released into our blood. For the glucose to be able to enter our cells and fuel our bodies, a hormone called insulin, made by our pancreas, is needed.

However, with type 1 diabetes, no insulin is produced. With type 2 diabetes, not enough insulin is produced and/or it doesn’t work effectively. In both cases, because glucose can’t get into your cells, it builds up in your blood.

Common symptoms may include urinating often, feeling very thirsty or hungry, extreme fatigue, blurry vision or delayed wound healing.

Risk factors for diabetes

Smoking
Overweight and obesity
Physical inactivity
High blood pressure
High cholesterol (non-HDL) and/or high triglycerides
Had diabetes during pregnancy
Have been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome
Familia history of diabetes related to parent, brother, or sister
Are Black, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American or Pacific Islander
Are 45 or older

The link between your mouth and diabetes.

The health of your mouth has a bidirectional relationship with diabetes. This means that if you have an elevated blood sugar level you are likely to have a propensity towards periodontal disease, and if you have periodontal disease this can directly relate to increased blood sugar levels. Those who undergo periodontal treatment and practice effective oral hygiene daily have decreased blood sugar levels for several months.

It is essential to brush twice a day and clean between your teeth every day!

https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics-report/index.html