Established research confirms that individuals with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease. However, recent data reveals concerning evidence that gum disease may, in turn, increase the risk of diabetes. This surprisingly toxic pair can work together in a circular pattern to advance gum disease while worsening glycemic control and insulin resistance in diabetic patients.
Periodontitis—the later and more advanced stage of gum disease—is considered the sixth most common complication of diabetes (Iacopino, 2006). In this stage, the harmful bacteria growing under the gumline are granted access to the bloodstream, activating immune cells. These activated cells, also known as cytokines, produce a destructive inflammatory response. “In the pancreas, the cells responsible for insulin production can be damaged or destroyed by the chronic high levels of cytokines,” explains Anthony Iacopino, D.M.D., Ph.D.
When insulin production is damaged, an excess of glucose is produced in the bloodstream. High blood glucose levels make it more difficult for the body to fight infections, which can amplify gum disease. Severe gum disease can therefore increase blood glucose levels further—a vicious pattern that continues to wreak havoc on the health and well-being of the entire body. According to Dr. Iacopino, gum disease can induce type 2 diabetes, even in otherwise healthy individuals with no other risk factors for diabetes.
Since gum disease and diabetes are heavily connected, diabetic patients at Nemeth & Katranji Periodontics have experienced exciting results when they rid themselves of gum disease with LANAP, a minimally invasive laser treatment. “Before my LANAP surgery, my A1C levels were almost 14. After surgery, they dropped from almost 14 down to 8.6. I am just overwhelmed and ecstatic because they have never been that low,” says Juanita, a LANAP patient with type 2 diabetes.
Dr. Nemeth finds it extremely gratifying to help patients not just with their oral health, but with their overall health. If you are interested in learning more about the connection between gum disease and diabetes or other chronic illnesses, visit drnemeth.com, or watch our YouTube channel at Joseph R. Nemeth DDS & Associates.
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