Gum disease linked to diabetes

When physicians list the complications that come with having diabetes, they mention heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, possible blindness and amputations, neuropathy and even depression.

What isn't routinely mentioned, if it is talked about at all, is periodontal disease, a serious gum infection that causes tooth loss in adults.

It is usually painless, and often goes undetected, but as physicians see more diabetics with gum disease and tooth loss, they believe there is a link between the two.

To better look at the connection, Group Health and Washington Dental Service are launching a study to explore the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes. They also hope to raise awareness in medical doctors and dentists when caring for diabetic patients.

During the one-year study funded by Group Health and a grant from Washington Dental Service, researchers will look at records from people age 40 to 74 who belong to both Group Health and Washington Dental Service to see if gum disease is linked to diabetes, blood sugar levels and other health problems.

The study also will look at the difference in how a diabetic's care is managed and the cost difference between those who receive routine medical and dental care and those who don't.

Dr. Ron Inge, vice president and dental director for Washington Dental Service, said the study should yield positive results and show the link is significant.

He hopes the results launch a pilot program that will track patients' diabetic and dental conditions with interventions.

"Diabetes is a risk factor for infection and gum disease is an infection, plus infections can prevent patients from controlling their diabetes," said Dr. Robert Reid, associate medical director of Group Health's Department of Preventive Care and lead investigator of the study. "We don't know how the link occurs, but this is a complication no one talks about."

Reid has managed his Type 1 diabetes for the past 20 years and developed dental problems. He said he was aware of the connection, but it still managed to affect him.

He said he gets more routine dental care now, and hopes that by controlling his diabetes better, he can prevent dental problems.

"People really care about their teeth and smile and this is an additional reason for diabetics to take care of themselves," Reid said. "Potential kidney disease in 10 years is a difficult motivator, but if you know you may lose your teeth much sooner, it's an incentive."