Intensive diabetes treatment for people with type 2 diabetes can improve gum disease inflammation, a new study has revealed.
The link between diabetes and periodontal (gum) disease is already known, but less is understood about how diabetes treatment can impact gum health.
New findings by Japanese researchers indicates that acting early in treating type 2 diabetes is important for improving gum disease in these patients, with the team saying there should be closer collaboration between medical and dental care in the early stages of diabetes.
- Plant-based diet could lower risk of type 2 diabetes
- Low Carb Diet: Beginner’s Guide
- High intake of processed meat increases risk of type 2 diabetes
The study saw 29 people with type 2 diabetes receive two weeks of intensive treatment for their condition while in hospital.
The researchers analysed key dental indicators before and after the treatment. There was no dental treatment involved, just the diabetes intervention.
The team, from Osaka University, found that the intensive treatment improved blood glucose control and PISA, a marker of gum disease inflammation.
In addition, improving PISA was linked to things like insulin secretion capacity and the extent of diabetes complications and comorbidities before treatment started.
Senior author Masae Kuboniwa said: “These research findings are expected to advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease.
“This study demonstrates that improving periodontal disease in diabetic patients requires not only periodontal treatment but also early diabetes management.
- Poor mental health triggered by alcohol and social media
- Anxiety reduced by eating a Mediterranean diet
- Mediterranean diet could lower heart disease risk in people with type 1 diabetes
“We anticipate that promoting collaboration between medical and dental care from the early stages of diabetes can significantly contribute to preventing the onset and progression of periodontal disease in diabetic patients.”
The team found that comparing individuals based on improvements in PISA showed that those who saw the biggest improvement had higher C-peptide levels before treatment started.
This suggests better insulin secretion and better results in other key markers which indicate less severe diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disorders.
Read more in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.
