High Blood Sugar Levels Put People With Diabetes At Higher Risk For Severe Gum Disease

Posted on by Jordan Soblick

The effects of diabetes on the body are many and varied, and so are the potential complications. One of the ways diabetes impacts the body is by making it harder to fight infections. That reduced ability to ward off infection can leave people with diabetes vulnerable to a host of conditions that arise from infections, including severe gum disease, also called periodontitis.

A study published by experts at the American Dental Association found that individuals with diabetes may be at higher risk of developing gum disease than those without diabetes. That’s because periodontitis is an infection of the gums, one that even healthy individuals can have a hard time overcoming.

But high blood sugar levels not only make it more difficult to fight gum disease, but also make it easier for the condition to develop in the first place. Thickened blood vessels caused by high blood sugar can reduce the flow of nutrients and removal of wastes from body tissues, including the gums and bones. Additionally, inadequately controlled diabetes leads to higher blood sugar levels in the mouth fluids that promote the growth of the bacteria that can cause gum disease. Conversely, infections from untreated periodontal disease can cause blood sugar to rise and make it harder to control diabetes. Together with poor oral hygiene, these diabetes-related factors can lead to periodontal disease.

Left untreated, gum disease can lead to irreversible tooth loss because the infection can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. Signs of periodontitis include:

Signs of periodontitis include the following:

  • Red, swollen gums that bleed frequently or easily;
  • Gums that have pulled back from your teeth, making them appear longer;
  • Pus between the teeth when the gums are pressed;
  • Consistent bad breath or a constant bad taste in your mouth;
  • Loose teeth;
  • A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite;
  • A change in the fit of your partial dentures.

Keep Your Blood Sugar In Check With CGM

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for everyone, but for people with diabetes, it is even more critical. In addition to all of the well-known ways to keep our teeth and gums healthy – brushing, flossing, regular dental visits – people with diabetes need o keep their blood glucose levels as close to their target level as possible to reduce their risk of developing gum disease and other complications.

One way to ensure that you keep your blood levels in check is through Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM). It is a tested, approved, accurate, and easy-to-use transceiver device that helps those with diabetes monitor keep abreast of their blood sugar levels 24/7 without any need to stop what their doing to take a blood sample.

Speak with your doctor and contact us today to see if you qualify for CGM and access our guide to continuous glucose monitoring.

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If you are not insured, or have a high deductible health insurance plan, you can still purchase the Freestyle Libre Reader and Sensors at extremely competitive prices. Prices starting as low as $99 per month

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*Fingersticks are required for treatment decisions when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol, when symptoms do not match system readings when you suspect readings may be in accurate, or when you experience symptoms that may be due to high or low blood glucose.

Reference 1: Data on file. Abbott Diabetes Care. 2, FreeStyle Libre 14 day User’s Manual

Indications and Important Safety Information

FreeStyle Libre and FreeStyle Libre 14 day Flash Glucose Monitoring systems are continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices indicated for replacing blood glucose testing and detecting trends and tracking patterns aiding in the detection of episodes of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, facilitating both acute and long-term therapy adjustments in persons (age 18 and older) with diabetes. The systems are intended for single patient use and require a prescription.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Remove the sensor before MRI, CT scan, X-ray, or diathermy treatment.

WARNINGS/LIMITATIONS: Do not ignore symptoms that may be due to low or high blood glucose, hypoglycemic unawareness, or dehydration. Check sensor glucose readings with a blood glucose meter when Check Blood Glucose symbol appears, when symptoms do not match system readings, or when readings are suspected to be inaccurate. The system does not have alarms unless the sensor is scanned, and the system contains small parts that may be dangerous if swallowed. The system is not approved for pregnant women, persons on dialysis, or critically-ill population. Sensor placement is not approved for sites other than the back of the arm and standard precautions for transmission of blood borne pathogens should be taken. The built-in blood glucose meter is not for use on dehydrated, hypotensive, in shock, hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state, with or without ketosis, neonates, critically-ill patients, or for diagnosis or screening of diabetes. When using FreeStyle LibreLink app, access to a blood glucose monitoring system is required as the app does not provide one. Review all product information before use or contact Abbott Toll Free (855-632-8658) or visit www.freestylelibre.us for detailed indications for use and safety information.html. . FreeStyle, Libre, and related brand marks are trademarks of Abbott Diabetes Care Inc. in various jurisdictions. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2018 Abbott. ADC-09691 vLO 10/18

*The FreeStyle LibreLink app and the FreeStyle Libre 14 day reader have similar but not identical features. Fingersticks are required for treatment decisions when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol, when symptoms do not match system readings, when you suspect readings may be inaccurate, or when you experience symptoms that may be due to high or low blood glucose.

The FreeStyle Libre 2 app and the FreeStyle Libre 2 reader have similar but not identical features. Fingersticks are required for treatment decisions when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol and when your glucose alarms and readings from the system do not match symptoms or expectations

‡‡‡Based on the sensor being replaced once every 14 days, and scanned at least once every 8 hours.

§§§Glucose readings are not available during 1-hour warm-up, when sensor is too hot or too cold, when you see an error or "LO" or "HI" message, or no current glucose reading