People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disea than people without diabetes. We have known this for many years through clinical observations and studies.

Research has recently demonstrated that the relationship goes both ways. For example, people with diabetes usually have more aggressive periodontal problems and periodontal disease may make it more difficult for people who have diahetes to control their blood sugar.

More research is needed to demonstrate exactly how periodontal disease makes it more difficult to control blood sugar. We have seen in several studies that severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar. This may lead to longer durations where your body functions with elevated blood sugar levels. The consequence of heightened sugar levels can increased the risk for diabetic complications. Therefore, if you control your periodontal disease, you may findi it easier to keep your blood sugar levels in balance.

Nearly 6 million Americans in the U.S. have diabetes. If you have diabetes personally or have family members with it, you or they could be at more risk for having periodontal disease. Periodontal disease often comes with few or no symptoms, so you may be unaware of it. Have a comprehensive periodontal examination to see where you stand!!

The American Academy of Periodontology can provide recorded telephone information at 1-800-FLOSSEM. They also have an excellent web site at http://www.perio.org.