Dentists could play a key role in spotting undiagnosed diabetes or pre diabetes, according to a new study by the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. Details of the study were published in the July issue of the Journal of Dental Research.
Dr Ira Lamster is dean of the College of Dental Medicine and senior author of the study, commenting in a news release Dr. Lamster said:
“Periodontal disease is an early complication of diabetes, and about 70 percent of U.S. adults see a dentist at least once a year.”
“Prior research focused on identification strategies relevant to medical settings. Oral healthcare settings have not been evaluated before, nor have the contributions of oral findings ever been tested prospectively.”
600 people from the Northern Manhattan area took part in the study which aimed to identify patients with hyperglycaemia. The patients were divided into two groups: 40-years-old plus and non-Hispanic white and those aged 30 plus, Hispanic or non-white.
According to the press release, around 530 patients had at least one risk factor for diabetes such as a family history. Each of the patients received a periodontal check and an A1C test, which monitors longer term glucose levels.
The press release explains that there were only two dental factors needed to identify those with diabetes or pre-diabetes, the two factors being the number of missing teeth or the percentage of periodontal pockets.
Dr. Evanthia Lalla, an associate professor at the College of Dental Medicine, and lead author of the study, said:
“Early recognition of diabetes has been the focus of efforts from medical and public health colleagues for years, as early treatment of affected individuals can limit the development of many serious complications.”
“Relatively simple lifestyle changes in pre-diabetic individuals can prevent progression to frank diabetes, so identifying this group of individuals is also important."
“Our findings provide a simple approach that can be easily used in all dental-care settings.”
Diabetes is a condition that can often go undiagnosed leaving patients at a greater risk of developing of developing complications. Previous studies have shown that gum disease can make diabetes harder to control and also leave patients at a higher risk of heart disease which is already a risk factor for patients with diabetes.
Dr Ira Lamster is dean of the College of Dental Medicine and senior author of the study, commenting in a news release Dr. Lamster said:
“Periodontal disease is an early complication of diabetes, and about 70 percent of U.S. adults see a dentist at least once a year.”
“Prior research focused on identification strategies relevant to medical settings. Oral healthcare settings have not been evaluated before, nor have the contributions of oral findings ever been tested prospectively.”
600 people from the Northern Manhattan area took part in the study which aimed to identify patients with hyperglycaemia. The patients were divided into two groups: 40-years-old plus and non-Hispanic white and those aged 30 plus, Hispanic or non-white.
According to the press release, around 530 patients had at least one risk factor for diabetes such as a family history. Each of the patients received a periodontal check and an A1C test, which monitors longer term glucose levels.
The press release explains that there were only two dental factors needed to identify those with diabetes or pre-diabetes, the two factors being the number of missing teeth or the percentage of periodontal pockets.
Dr. Evanthia Lalla, an associate professor at the College of Dental Medicine, and lead author of the study, said:
“Early recognition of diabetes has been the focus of efforts from medical and public health colleagues for years, as early treatment of affected individuals can limit the development of many serious complications.”
“Relatively simple lifestyle changes in pre-diabetic individuals can prevent progression to frank diabetes, so identifying this group of individuals is also important."
“Our findings provide a simple approach that can be easily used in all dental-care settings.”
Diabetes is a condition that can often go undiagnosed leaving patients at a greater risk of developing of developing complications. Previous studies have shown that gum disease can make diabetes harder to control and also leave patients at a higher risk of heart disease which is already a risk factor for patients with diabetes.
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