How does diabetes alter treatment in the dental office?

Diabetes mellitus affects approximately seven percent of the American population; thus, patients with diabetes are seen in every dental practice. Advances in medical management of diabetes have resulted in intensification of treatment regimens, with a resulting decrease in long-term complications of the eyes, kidneys, and nervous system. This intensified treatment may place the diabetic patient at increased risk of hypoglycemic emergencies during dental appointments. Dental practitioners should understand methods of preventing hypoglycemia and must be able to recognize and treat hypoglycemia, should it occur in the office.