The impact of a workplace dental-health program on glycemic control in Japanese working adults: a cohort study
Takumi Kitamura1, Yoshihiro Shimazaki2, Hiroko Hashimoto1
1Department of Preventive Dentistry and Dental Public Health, School of Dentistry, Aichi Gakuin University, 1-100 Kusumoto-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8650, Japan.
Background:
This study implemented a workplace dental-health program to encourage those at risk of diabetes to visit a dentist, and examined factors associated with changes in glycemic control.
Methods:
The participants included 342 people aged 40-64 years old with an A1c value of 5.6% or higher, and those with diabetes, prediabetes, or needing to exercise caution with regard to diabetes. Participants underwent a dental checkup at a dental clinic in 2018, after which their diabetes status was followed for 3 years. Multivariate multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the effect of each independent variable on the 3-year change in the A1c value (decrease, stable, or increase).
Results:
Having a greater number of teeth was associated with a significantly lower OR for an increased A1c value (decrease ≥ 0.3%) (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.79-0.97). Visiting a dentist regularly was associated with a significantly higher OR for a decreased A1c value (increase ≥ 0.3%) (OR, 4.20; 95% CI, 1.45-12.2).
Conclusion:
Among working adults, those who visited a dentist regularly had better A1c values, and those with a greater number of teeth were less likely to experience worsening of A1c values.
Related Concept Videos
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: α-Glucosidase Inhibitors
Acarbose and miglitol are...
Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...


