First of all, Diabetes and Gum Disease is related. Treatment of periodontitis or gum disease can help in the management of blood glucose levels in the people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). It also reduces the risk of diabetes-related complications. Finds a new study published in the journal, The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology.

The study showed that there is improvement in blood glucose control in Diabetic people with treatment for Gum Disease. Intensive treatment for gum disease is also linked to improvements in the function of blood vessel and kidney.

Diabetes and Gum Disease | SmileMax Dentistry

The study is the first to link intensive gum disease treatment to improvements in kidney and blood vessel function and chronic inflammation.

Also Read: More evidence of link between severe gum disease and cancer risk

Francesco D’Aiuto, professor, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, University College London, London, UK, and colleagues conducted the study to assess the effects of periodontal treatment on glycaemic control in people with T2D.

For the purpose, the research team recruited 264 people with T2D, all having moderate to severe periodontitis. Half of the participants received intensive treatment for their gum disease, which involved deep cleaning their gums and minor gum surgery. The other half received standard care, involving regular cleaning and polishing of their teeth. The treatments are provided alongside any T2D medications taken.

Key Findings for Diabetes and Gum Disease Relationship:

• At baseline, mean HbA 1c was 8·1% (SD 1·7) in both groups.
• After 12 months, unadjusted mean HbA 1c was 8·3% in the control periodontal treatment (CPT) group and 7·8% in the intensive periodontal treatment (IPT) group; with adjustment for baseline HbA 1c , age, sex, ethnicity, smoking status, duration of diabetes, and BMI, HbA 1c was 0·6% lower in the IPT group than in the CPT group.
• At least one adverse event was reported in 30 (23%) of 133 patients in the IPT group and 23 (18%) of 131 patients in the CPT group.
• Serious adverse events were reported in 11 (8%) patients in the IPT group, including one (1%) death, and 11 (8%) patients in the CPT group, including three
  (2%) deaths.
• The researchers also observed a link between the treatment and improved quality of life.

Also Read: Chewing gums to prevent Dental Caries : Reports Trial

How Diabetes and Gum Disease Work together?

Gum disease sets in when the levels of bacteria inside the mouth are out of balance. This in turn causes chronic inflammation inside the body. This inflammation has a link to cardiovascular and kidney complications, as well as insulin resistance.

“Our findings suggest preventing and treating gum disease could potentially be a new and important way to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their condition, and reduce their risk of its serious complications, said D’Aiuto.

“The improvement in blood glucose control we observed, in people who received intensive treatment, is similar to the effect that’s seen when people with type 2 diabetes are prescribed a second blood glucose lowering drug. We now should determine if the improvements we found can be maintained in the longer-term. Also if they apply to everyone with type 2 diabetes.”

Professor John Deanfield, a senior investigator of the study at the UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, said: “Inflammation may be part of the biological pathways that lead to several health conditions including diabetes, heart disease, dementia, and cancer.

“Periodontitis is a common cause of inflammation. Its treatment improves vascular, renal, as well as blood glucose control, in people with type 2 diabetes. Our findings are exciting and could lead to new strategies to improve care. Large-scale clinical outcome trials must be designed now.”

Conclusion

Once developed, this standard will support the development of clinical care pathways. That will aim to improve both general and oral health outcomes. The GP will refer their patients with diabetes to their dentists as well. This will mirror existing pathways for foot care. Like when specialists refer people with diabetes to a podiatrist.

“More research is essential to explore this connection further. The findings suggest that treatment may help to reduce the risk of serious diabetes related complications. Risks such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease, in people with T2D,” concluded the authors.

For more information, Read the Original Study

Source of Information: Medical Dialogues article

To know more about Diabetes and Gum Disease and how Gum Diseases can be treated to make your general health better, meet Dr. Vimal Thareja MDS, at SmileMax Dentistry Dental Clinic, Rani Bagh, Pitampura or contact us at 8800211141.

www.smilemaxdentistry.com