Periodontal Diseases May Contribute Towards Pre-Diabetes

Several studies in recent years suggest that periodontal diseases may contribute to the progression of pre-diabetes. Pre-diabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. A significant portion of those people with pre-diabetes will develop Type 2 diabetes within 10 years.

Danish researchers conducted a study on rats that exhibited pre-diabetes characteristics to see if there was a relationship between periodontitis and pre-diabetes.

The study concluded that periodontal disease might cause someone to develop the characteristics of pre-diabetes. When the glucose regulation of someone with pre-diabetes is disturbed, it may inevitably lead to the progression of Type 2 diabetes.

Dr. Carla Pontes Andersen, Department of Periodontology at the University of Copenhagen said, “This study found that having periodontal diseases can alter the metabolic conditions which would probably lead to the progression to pre-diabetic characteristics and eventually to Type 2 diabetes”.

It has long been known that patients with diabetes have a higher risk of developing periodontal disease than non-diabetics but this study has provided evidence looking from the other side of the equation that periodontal disease can affect pre-diabetics.

The study further suggests treatment for periodontitis does not indicate any harmful effect on a diabetic patient’s metabolic control.

While more research is needed to evaluate any relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes, we do know that treating periodontal diseases can save teeth, and can promote overall health.

Maintaining a good oral health regimen will stop the onset of any periodontal diseases and may keep diabetes at bay.