New study suggests treating gum disease can lower costs for treatment of diabetes

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A new study has suggested that treating gum disease can help to lower the cost of treating type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

The study, which was carried out by dental insurance provider, CIGNA, found that treating gum disease could reduce the overall cost of treating diabetes. The findings of the study were revealed at a meeting of the International Association for Dental Research.

The results of the study showed that diabetics who received treatment and follow-up care for gum disease spent an average total of $2,483 less than diabetic patients who did not receive treatment for gum disease; this represented a 23 percent difference in costs. Researchers said that the study confirmed the findings of numerous other research projects, which linked gum disease to diabetes and other serious health conditions.

Marjorie Jeffcoat, lead researcher, said that the results of the study could be used to form templates for evidence based treatment in the future and diabetics could benefit from the findings; diabetic patients should be encouraged to focus on oral health as a means of improving their general health, as well as enabling them to save money on medical care.

The findings of the study could make a significant difference to the overall cost of treating diabetic patients; the number of people with diabetes is increasing and the costs associated with medical treatment for diabetics are spiralling.

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