Periodontal disease is more common in people with microvascular complications of diabetes, new research presented at the European Society for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) annual meeting (September 9-13) in Madrid, Spain. dental research journal I found it.
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gums and bone that support the teeth. This is caused by the buildup of bacterial plaque and, if left untreated, can lead to the destruction of the tissue that holds the teeth in place and ultimately lead to tooth loss.
This tooth loss not only affects important functions such as chewing and speaking, but it can also affect self-esteem.
As a result, periodontitis can significantly reduce a person's quality of life, leading to difficulties with nutrition, communication, and social interactions.
Understanding who is at higher risk, such as those with diabetes complications, is important for early intervention and prevention of these widespread effects. ”
Dr. Fernando Valentim Bittencourt, researcher Graduated from the Faculty of Dentistry and Oral Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
Some studies have found that people with microvascular complications of diabetes, such as retinopathy (damage to blood vessels in the retina) and neuropathy (damage to the nerves), are at increased risk for periodontitis.
However, results have been inconsistent, studies have been small, and important confounding variables that may influence results have not been taken into account, such as sociodemographic status, smoking, and duration of diabetes. Not yet.
Additionally, the effects of microvascular complications and dyslipidemia (unhealthy levels of blood fats) on the joints have not been evaluated.
To deal with this, Dr. Bittencourt Colleagues from the Steno Diabetes Center in Aarhus and the National Dental Center of Singapore analyzed data from more than 15,000 people from the Central Denmark Health Study of people with type 2 diabetes.
The analysis involved 15,922 people with type 2 diabetes (mean age 63.7 years) who completed a questionnaire and comprehensive laboratory tests.
The results were adjusted for potential confounding variables such as sociodemographic status, lifestyle (including smoking and physical activity level), and health status, and were adjusted for microvascular complications and moderate/moderate A clear association was found between severe periodontitis.
People with diabetic retinopathy were 21% more likely to have moderate/severe periodontitis than people without diabetic complications.
Diabetic neuropathy was associated with a 36% increased risk of developing severe periodontal disease. If participants had both diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy, they were 51% more likely to develop moderate/severe periodontitis than participants without diabetic complications.
The presence of dyslipidemia further increased the odds of having moderate/severe periodontitis in those with diabetic complications.
Dr Bittencourt says: 'If diabetes is poorly controlled, high blood sugar levels can cause inflammation, which over time can affect the eyes and cause retinopathy, or affect the nerves in the feet. “It can cause nerve damage and affect the gums, which can contribute to the development of diabetes.” Severe periodontitis.
“Dyslipidemia, which is very common, further increases the risk of severe periodontal disease.
“Importantly, the role of inflammation is important, as periodontitis not only serves as a marker of oral health problems, but also identifies individuals with a high systemic inflammatory burden and therefore at higher risk for diabetes-related microvascular complications. This means that it may also be useful for
The researchers say the lesson for dentists and health care professionals is clear: It is important to have a multidisciplinary approach when treating patients with type 2 diabetes.
“This is particularly relevant for dentists as patients with type 2 diabetes and moderate/severe periodontitis, especially those with dyslipidemia, may be at increased risk of microvascular complications such as neuropathy and retinopathy. “It means recognizing that,” says Dr. Bittencourt. “Dentists should consider recommending that these patients be screened for microvascular complications.
“By working together, healthcare providers can help people with type 2 diabetes, especially those at high risk for diabetic complications, receive more comprehensive oral health care, improving both their oral and systemic health.” There is a possibility.”
