I Workshop ibérico sobre la asociación entre diabetes y enfermedades periodontales. Documento de consenso

This consensus report has been prepared by a group of experts from the Spanish Foundations of Diabetes and of Periodontology. The reviewed evidence shows relevant data that strongly support the importance of diabetes and periodontal diseases, as well as their bi-directional relationship:

- Diabetes has a high prevalence in Spain and Portugal, with a high prevalence of un-diagnosed diabetes, and with continuously increasing rates. In addition, the frequency and severity of their complications is also very important.

- Periodontal diseases have high prevalence, close to 90% in adult populations. The destructive capacity of periodontitis leads to tooth loss, which is associated with a profound impact on the patients. Periodontitis have also been related to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and pulmonary infections, as well as other conditions.

- Numerous studies have concluded that diabetes is a significant risk factor for periodontitis, especially in subjects with poor glycemic control.

- Periodontal diseases have been shown to have a deleterious effect on glycemic control, both in diabetic patients and healthy subjects, and it has been demonstrated that diabetes complications are more frequent in diabetic patients with periodontitis.

- Periodontal treatment has been associated with improvements in glycemic control, with a mean reduction in glycosylated haemoglobin of 0.4%.

Based on the above evidence, different challenges are proposed for health professionals involved in diabetic and periodontitis patient care.