Efectos de la diabetes sobre las enfermedades periodontales

Different studies, published in the last few years, have clearly demonstrated the effects of diabetes on periodontal diseases, pointing out the relevant implications for health professionals, for diabetic periodontal patients, as well as for the general population. It seems of interest to evaluate the scientific evidence supporting this association, with the main aim of identifying practical implications for all involved groups. The importance of diabetes is based, among other things, in the high levels of prevalence, recently confirmed in Spain and Portugal, and the high proportion of undiagnosed diabetes.

Different factors may explain the effects of diabetes on periodontal diseases, including pro-inflammatory events, changes in the subgingival microbiota, or the accumulation of advanced glycation end-products. These factors provide the basis for diabetes being an important risk factor for periodontitis. However, diabetes may not interfere with periodontal therapy, except in subjects with poor blood glucose control.

Many implications can be listed: from the possibility of performing diabetes screening in the dental clinics, to the need of clear dental and periodontal care protocols for patients with diabetes.