Dentists may help diagnose type 2 diabetes
Many U.S. health reports have indicated that the number of obese Americans has grown significantly over past years, and so has the prevalence of type 2 diabetes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 60 percent of Americans are either overweight or obese.
Furthermore, the American Diabetes Association states that nearly 2 million Americans over the age of 20 are diagnosed with diabetes each year, while an estimated 7 million have not been properly diagnosed and an additional 79 million have pre-diabetes.
Receiving a proper diabetes diagnosis and treatment plan is important because addressing high blood sugar levels early may help stave off or prevent disease-related complications.
A recent study published in the Journal of Dental Research indicated that physicians may not be the only healthcare professionals who can help individuals with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes seek necessary care.
The research involved 600 individuals who visited a dentist for a routine examination. None of the participants had ever been told that they had diabetes, but 530 subjects reported that they had at least one risk factor for the disease, such as a family history of diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension or excess body weight.
Individuals who were found to have missing teeth or deep periodontal pockets were given an HbA1c test to measure their average blood sugar levels over the previous three months.
The study's results showed that this method was effective in diagnosing patients with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes.
"Periodontal disease is an early complication of diabetes, and about 70 percent of U.S. adults see a dentist at least once a year," said Dr. Ira Lamster, dean of the College of Dental Medicine, and senior author of the paper.
The American Diabetes Association explains that diabetics are at high risk for developing gum disease. Symptoms of the latter condition include bleeding, tender or swollen gums.
The organization recommends regular brushing, flossing and visits to the dentist as ways to avoid periodontal disease.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 60 percent of Americans are either overweight or obese.
Furthermore, the American Diabetes Association states that nearly 2 million Americans over the age of 20 are diagnosed with diabetes each year, while an estimated 7 million have not been properly diagnosed and an additional 79 million have pre-diabetes.
Receiving a proper diabetes diagnosis and treatment plan is important because addressing high blood sugar levels early may help stave off or prevent disease-related complications.
A recent study published in the Journal of Dental Research indicated that physicians may not be the only healthcare professionals who can help individuals with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes seek necessary care.
The research involved 600 individuals who visited a dentist for a routine examination. None of the participants had ever been told that they had diabetes, but 530 subjects reported that they had at least one risk factor for the disease, such as a family history of diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension or excess body weight.
Individuals who were found to have missing teeth or deep periodontal pockets were given an HbA1c test to measure their average blood sugar levels over the previous three months.
The study's results showed that this method was effective in diagnosing patients with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes.
"Periodontal disease is an early complication of diabetes, and about 70 percent of U.S. adults see a dentist at least once a year," said Dr. Ira Lamster, dean of the College of Dental Medicine, and senior author of the paper.
The American Diabetes Association explains that diabetics are at high risk for developing gum disease. Symptoms of the latter condition include bleeding, tender or swollen gums.
The organization recommends regular brushing, flossing and visits to the dentist as ways to avoid periodontal disease.
First published on: July 18, 2011
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