A research study found that having periodontal diseases can alter the metabolic conditions which would probably lead to the progression to prediabetic characteristics and Type 2 diabetes...

Study Finds Periodontal Diseases May Aggravate Prediabetic Characteristics

Many of those with prediabetes develop Type 2 diabetes within 10 years.

CHICAGO—March 13, 2007—Periodontal diseases may contribute to the progression to prediabetes, according to a study in the March 2007 issue of the Journal of Periodontology. Study Abstract *

Prediabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. The American Diabetes Association estimates 54 million people in the United States have prediabetes, and a significant portion of those people will develop Type 2 diabetes within 10 years.

Researchers from Denmark investigated if having periodontal diseases can influence prediabetes and contribute to the progression of diabetes. They found that having periodontal disease can cause someone to develop prediabetic characteristics, and probably disturb the glucose regulation of a non-diabetic who has prediabetic characteristics, contributing to the progression of Type 2 diabetes. The study, conducted with rat models known to exhibit prediabetes characteristics, is believed to be the first to evaluate the relationship between periodontitis and prediabetes.

“This study found that having periodontal diseases can alter the metabolic conditions which would probably lead to the progression to prediabetic characteristics and Type 2 diabetes,” said Dr. Carla Pontes Andersen, Department of Periodontology at the University of Copenhagen.

“We have known that people with diabetes are more susceptible to periodontal diseases and have more severe disease,” said Preston D. Miller, DDS and AAP president. “This breakthrough research shows having periodontal disease may aggravate prediabetes, which is a precursor for diabetes. These findings underscore the importance of taking good care of your teeth and gums: it may be a simple way to prevent diabetes, or to prevent the progression of diabetes.”

To check if you may be at risk of developing diabetes, visit the American Diabetes Association's website.

* EDITOR'S NOTE: Representatives of the media may contact the AAP Public Affairs Department to receive a copy of the study Periodontitis is associated with aggravation of prediabetes in Zucker Fatty Rats. Abstracts of Journal of Periodontology articles are available to the public online. Full-text of studies may be accessed by AAP members and Journal subscribers or purchased online.

About the AAP

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the professional organization for periodontists—specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also dentistry’s experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. They receive three additional years of specialized training following dental school, and periodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. The AAP has 8,400 members worldwide.

Find out if you are at risk for periodontal diseases by taking the Academy’s risk assessment test. Referral to a periodontist in your area is available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP's website at www.perio.org.

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To schedule an interview with an AAP spokesperson or for more information, please contact Meg Dempsey at 312-573-3242 or meg@perio.org.

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