18.12.2009
A great
majority of people who have periodontal disease are also at high risk for
diabetes and should be screened for it.
The researchers also determined that
half of those patients had seen a dentist in the previous year. They also concluded
that dentists should consider offering diabetes screenings in their offices,
and described practical approaches to conducting diabetes screenings in dental
offices.
The specialists determined that 93 percent of patients who had periodontal disease, compared to 63 percent of those without the disease, were considered to be at high risk for diabetes and should be screened for diabetes. The guidelines recommend diabetes screening for people at least 45 years of age with a body mass index (a comparative measure of weight and height) of 25 or more. In their study, two of those additional risk factors – high blood pressure and a first-degree relative (a parent or sibling) with diabetes - were reported in a much greater number of cases with periodontal disease than in cases without it. Such findings add to a growing body of evidence relating to periodontal infections to an increased risk for diabetes.
It was also examined how often those with gum disease and a risk for diabetes visit a dentist, finding that three in five reported a dental visit in the past two years; half in the past year; and a third in the past six months.
One of scientists commented that in light of these findings the dental visit could be a useful occasion to perform an initial diabetes screening - an important first step in identifying those patients who need follow-up testing to diagnose the disease.
He also said that dentists could screen patients for diabetes by evaluating them for risk factors such as being overweight; belonging to a high-risk ethnic group (African-American, Latino, Native American, Asian-American, or Pacific Islander); having high cholesterol; high blood pressure; a first-degree relative with diabetes; or gestational diabetes mellitus; or having given birth to a baby weighing more than nine pounds.
Alternatively, dentists could use a glucometer - a diagnostic device for measuring blood glucose - to analyze finger-stick blood samples, or use the glucometer to evaluate blood samples taken from pockets of irritation in the gums.
Arguably this innovation in dental treatment could become popular in high-class dental offices, but it is obviously that such option could save many things: time, money and certainly health. By visiting dentist you will save your time and money with not going to other doctors and will be informed about your common health. Ask your dentist to screen you and don’t be afraid to consult Health & Tourism, LLC for any reason.
