Most gum disease suffers will get diabetes
Boffins have discovered that periodontal infections can increase the likeliness of developing diabetes.
According to the experts from New York University’s Colleges of Dentistry and Nursing 93 per cent of periodontal disease sufferers are at high risk of developing diabetes, while only 63 per cent of the people tested without periodontal disease are at a risk of diabetes.
Dr Shiela Strauss, head of the study, examined 2,923 adult participants between 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey who had not been diagnosed with diabetes.
This survey was organised to assess new ways to prevent diabetes in the population of the United States.
Using the American Diabetes Association’s guidelines, Dr Strauss tested people, aged at least, 45 with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or more, or younger people with the same BMI and at an increased chance of developing diabetes, i.e having high blood pressure or a close family member already suffering with the disease.
Dr Strauss said that the findings suggested that it might be a good idea to screen for diabetes when patients go for their dental check-ups.
She added that the diabetes issue was critical as long-term complications can be prevented and lives can be saved.
In 2007 it was estimated that 5.7 million Americans were not aware that they had diabetes.
The doc suggested that dentists should be provided with glucometer to analyse blood samples taken from the mouth or the finger to screen for diabetes.
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