The PerioDIABETES Project

The Gum Disease - Diabetes Project

www.periodiabetes.com

The relationship between diabetes and gum disease (periodontitis) has historically been suspected as being more than just casual or a coincidence. Since diabetics have more infections than non-diabetics, the underlying relationship between diabetes and periodontitis begs for more clarification. Research has shown that there does appear to be not only an impact upon periodontitis by diabetes, but also an impact on diabetic blood sugar levels by periodontitis (references #1 and #2).

References:

1.	Taylor GW, et al. Severe periodontitis and risk for poor glycemic control in subjects with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. J. Periodontal. 1996;67 (suppl);1085-1093.
2.	Grossi SG, et al. Response to periodontal therapy in diabetics and smokers. J. Periodontal 1996; 677(suppl); 1094-1102.

THE RESEARCH

While it has been known that diabetics have a greater tendency to have infections, one of the associated factors relating to that tendency can be the negative impact of diabetes on the body's first line of defense --your white blood cells (reference #3). Severe periodontitis has been frequently been associated with a reduction in the efficiency for white blood cells to fight gum disease. Acute infections are known to alter the metabolism of the patient which creates more difficulty in controlling diabetes. Two periodontal studies have shown that by reducing the infection in the gum tissues, it was possible to favorably improve the blood sugar levels when excessive blood sugar had been present (references #2 and #4).

3.	Genco RJ, et al. Periodontal complications and neutrophil abnormalities. Contemporary Periodontics, St. Louis: The CV Mosby Company.
4.	Miller LS, et al. The relationship between reduction in periodontal inflammation and diabetes control: a report of 9 cases. J. Periodontal 1992;63:843-848.

THE SIGNIFICANCE

Since infections can alter the state of diabetes, it becomes reasonable to assume that there is legitimacy in eliminating all infections which may be present in a diabetic patient. The results of studies which show the impact of periodontitis on blood sugar levels clarifies the role of periodontists as co-therapists, involving difficult-to-control diabetic patients. This increases the importance of monitoring diabetic patients for reduced resistance to gum disease.

This website, www.periodiabetes.com
will further address:

1. Questions about Diabetes and Gum Disease
2. The Treatment of Gum Disease
    A. The signs
    B. The causes
    C. The risk factors
    D. The treatments
3. The periodiabetes.com Periodontists