Tooth, Gum Disease Might Foretell Diabetes

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Persistent tooth and gum ailments collectively known as chronic periodontal disease could lead to diabetes. Periodontal disease might put bacteria in the bloodstream and trigger immune cells, which could then produce inflammatory chemicals called cytokines that can damage the entire body. "In the pancreas, the cells responsible for insulin productioncan be damaged or destroyed by chronic high levels of cytokines," Insulin is a sugar-regulating hormone. "Once this happens, it may induce Type 2 diabetes, even in otherwise healthy individuals with no other risk factors for diabetes, People with type 2 diabetes may suffer from confusion, seizures, and heart disease. Researchers say high fat and cholesterol levels are high risk factors for periodontal disease, so exercise, low-fat diets, and lipid lowering drugs may prove vital for diabetics. Physicians presented their findings.