Diabetes Cure Blog

A new study published in the journal Diabetes Care, shows the relation between the type 2 diabetes and gum disease. The study, though does not establish the gum disease as the direct reason behind type 2 diabetes, but it shows the relation between the two. It can be added that this is the first study of its kind.

To describe, the study proves that the men and women with gum disease had twice the risk of diabetes as those with healthy gums, while substantial tooth loss was linked to a 70 percent higher risk. The researchers have studied nearly 9,300 U.S. adults for nearly 17 years. It finds that those who began the study with gum disease were more likely to develop diabetes later on. The relationship between diabetes and gum disease is well-known, but it has traditionally been assumed that gum disease is solely a consequence of diabetes. The findings are in line with research suggesting that gum disease is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The researchers are trying to find out the relation between gum disease and heart disease and stroke.

In a press briefing, the lead researcher of the study, Dr. Ryan T. Demmer, of Columbia University in New York, says:

“The pertinent finding was our observation that periodontal disease can precede the onset of overt type 2 diabetes.”

He added, however, that more studies are needed both to prove that gum disease directly contributes to type 2 diabetes, and, from there, treating the dental problem can prevent diabetes.

Source: Reuters

Filed under Diabetes, NIDDM, gum disease

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