Obesity & Diabetes
The oral-systemic link between obesity and oral disease is intimately tied up with diabetes in a "three-way street."
- Fat tissue is a metabolically-active organ that produces tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF α) and interleukin 6.
- These cytokines promote bone breakdown and inflammation, processes that both potentiate periodontal disease.
- TNF α also causes insulin resistance that predisposes to Type 2 diabetes.
- Poor glycemic control is associated with periodontal disease.
- Periodontal disease then leads to worsening glycemic control, creating a vicious cycle.
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Diabetes & Glycemic Control
- Poor glycemic control is associated with a threefold increased risk of having periodontitis in diabetics versus controls.
- Diabetics with good glycemic control have no significant increased risk of periodontal disease.
- Chronic infection (like periodontal disease) worsens glucose control.
- Treatment of periodontal disease results in a 10–20% improvement in glycemic control.
References
Genco R. The Three-Way Street. From: Scientific American, Oral and Whole Body Health. October 2006.
Mealey BL. Periodontal disease and diabetes: A two-way street. J Am Dent Assoc. 2006; 137: 26-31.
Simpson TC, Weldon JC, Worthington HV, et al. Treatment of periodontal disease for glycaemic control in people with diabetes mellitus. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015 (11): CD004714.Â