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A High-Throughput Multiplexed Screening for Type 1 Diabetes, Celiac Diseases, and COVID-19
Published on: July 5, 2022
Diabetes: a growing epidemic of all ages
Paul A Moore1, Janice C Zgibor, Ananda P Dasanayake
1Department of Dental Public Health, Oral Health Science Institute, University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine, PA 15261, USA. PAM7@pitt.edu
Insights
Diabetes prevalence is rising globally, affecting millions, yet many remain undiagnosed. Dentists play a key role in managing oral health complications for diabetic patients.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Endocrinology
- Dental Medicine
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus incidence and prevalence are increasing worldwide, impacting over 135 million individuals.
- A significant portion of the population, approximately one-third, remains undiagnosed.
- Specific demographics, including older individuals, females, overweight persons, and certain minority groups, face a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the growing prevalence of diabetes and its implications for dental practitioners.
- To inform dentists about the increased risk of oral health complications in diabetic patients.
- To emphasize the role of dentists in patient education and promoting oral health behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Review of current epidemiological data on diabetes prevalence and risk factors.
- Analysis of reported oral health complications associated with diabetes.
- Assessment of the dental practitioner's role in managing diabetic patients' oral health.
Main Results:
- Diabetes affects a substantial and growing number of people globally, with a notable proportion undiagnosed.
- Certain populations, including older adults and specific ethnic groups, exhibit higher risks for type 2 diabetes.
- Poorly controlled diabetes is linked to severe oral health issues such as periodontal disease, tooth loss, and soft-tissue pathologies.
Conclusions:
- Dentists are increasingly encountering patients with diabetes and must be prepared for associated oral health challenges.
- Educating patients with diabetes about oral complications and preventive behaviors is a crucial responsibility for dental professionals.
- Proactive oral health management can mitigate risks of tooth loss and periodontal disease in diabetic individuals.
Background:
The incidence and prevalence of diabetes mellitus are increasing, with more than 135 million people affected worldwide. Despite greater knowledge of the disease, one-third of people with the disease are undiagnosed. Recent estimates indicate that one in three U.S. children born in 2000 will develop diabetes.
Overview:
Diabetes is not equally distributed within the U.S. population. Type 1 diabetes occurs most frequently in white non-Hispanic children. A higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes is seen among those who are older, female and overweight. Non-Hispanic African-American and Hispanic populations in the United States also have been found to be at greater risk of developing type 2 disease. Among certain older patient populations, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes may be as high as 20 to 25 percent. As the percentage of older Americans increases and as the prevalence of obesity increases, a greater number of patients with diabetes will be seen and treated by dental practitioners.
Conclusions And Practice Implications:
Oral health complications, including extensive periodontal disease, tooth loss, soft-tissue pathologies, xerostomia and burning mouth syndrome have been reported among patients with long-standing and poorly controlled diabetes. Dentists have an opportunity and responsibility to educate patients with diabetes about the oral complications of the disease, and to promote proper oral health behaviors that limit the risks of tooth loss, periodontal disease and soft-tissue pathologies.
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