The two-way relationship between periodontal
disease and diabetes-
For years we've known that people with diabetes are more likely
to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes.
Recently, research has emerged suggesting that the
relationship goes both ways - periodontal disease may make
it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their
blood sugar.
More research is needed to confirm how periodontal
disease can make it more difficult to control blood sugar.
What we do know is that severe periodontal disease can increase
blood sugar, contributing to increase periods of time when
you body functions with a high blood sugar. And, as a diabetic,
you know that this puts you at increased risk for diabetic
complications.
In other words, controlling your periodontal disease
may help you control your diabetes. If you are among the nearly
16 million Americans in the U.S. who live with diabetes, or
are at risk for periodontal disease, see a periodontist for
a periodontal evaluation - because healthy gums may lead to
a healthy body.
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