Diabetes Treatment Might Ease Gum Disease, Too
By Ernie Mundell HealthDay Reporter
MONDAY, Sept. 23, 2024 -- Diabetes can worsen the state of your gums, but a new study suggests that diabetes medications may undo some of that damage.
Researchers in Japan found a positive turnaround in markers of gum well-being after people with diabetes received medication.
"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," said study senior author Dr. Masae Kuboniwa. She's an associate professor of preventive dentistry at Osaka University.
Links between periodontal health, heart disease and diabetes have long been observed.
In the new trial, Kuboniwa and colleagues had 29 people with type 2 diabetes undergo two weeks of "intensive" therapy with diabetes medicines. None of the patients underwent any professional dental care during the time period.
Reporting recently in the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, the Japanese team found that not only did medication boost levels of glycoalbumin -- a marker of blood sugar control -- but it also lowered what's known as the Periodontal Inflamed Surface Area (PISA), a measurement of gum inflammation.
As the gum's PISA scores improved, that was reflected in improvements throughout the body, in terms of blood flow and an easing of neuropathy.
"This study demonstrates that improving periodontal disease in diabetic patients requires not only periodontal treatment but also early diabetes management," Kuboniwa said in a university news release.
The new findings "are expected to advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease," she said.
Sources
- Osaka University, news release, Sept. 16, 2024
Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.
© 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Posted September 2024
Read this next
Male Virility Affected By Minimal Rises In Blood Sugar, Study Says
MONDAY, July 21, 2025 — Even small increases in blood sugar might put a dent in a man’s virility, a new study says. Minimally elevated blood glucose levels are linked...
Poor Oral Health Potentially Linked To Chronic Health Problems
FRIDAY, July 18, 2025 — Poor dental health could be a harbinger of chronic illnesses like type 2 diabetes and heart disease, a new study warns. People with missing teeth...
Diabetic Women Should Be Asked About Desire For Kids At Every Doctor's Visit, Guidelines Say
FRIDAY, July 18, 2025 — Doctors should ask diabetic women at every visit about their intention to have a child, to make sure they get the appropriate care prior to...
More news resources
- FDA Medwatch Drug Alerts
- Daily MedNews
- News for Health Professionals
- New Drug Approvals
- New Drug Applications
- Drug Shortages
- Clinical Trial Results
- Generic Drug Approvals
Subscribe to our newsletter
Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.