New clinical guidelines have been released by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) to emphasise the importance of periodontal health for people with diabetes. The Guideline on oral health for people with diabetes supports what research has already suggested, in that management of periodontal disease can help reduce the risk of developing diabetes and can also help people with diabetes control their blood sugar levels.
The IDF is an organisation of 200 national diabetes associations from 160 countries. Its new guidelines contain clinical recommendations on periodontal care, written in collaboration with the World Dental Federation (FDI), that encourage health professionals to conduct annual inquiries for symptoms of periodontal disease such as swollen or red gums or bleeding during tooth brushing and to educate their patients with diabetes about the implications of the condition on oral health, and especially periodontal health.
Samuel Low, Associate Dean and Professor of Periodontology at the University of Florida College of Dentistry and President of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), said 'Periodontal disease triggers the body's inflammatory response which can affect insulin sensitivity and ultimately lead to unhealthy blood sugar levels. Establishing routine periodontal care is one way to help keep diabetes under control.'
In addition to helping increase awareness about the importance of oral care for people with diabetes, Dr Low believes the guideline presents more opportunities for medicine and dentistry to work together.
Diabetes affects approximately 246 million people worldwide, and this number is expected to increase. For more information on the guideline, visit
