Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:20:4
Hansen Sinclair - AHN Reporter
West Palm Beach, FL, United States (AHN) - U.S. researchers released a study saying that more than 90 percent of people with gum disease may be at risk for diabetes.
Nursing researchers and researchers at New York University Colleges of Dentistry recommend people with periodontal (gum) disease should be checked while at the dentist for diabetes.
The study reflected data from nearly 3,000 adults who participated in the 2003-20004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted by health officials to determine the status of adult and child health and nutrition.
Conductors of the survey found that 93 percent of people with gum disease were at high risk for diabetes, according to American Diabetes Association guidelines.
High blood pressure and having a direct relative with diabetes was prevalent among subjects with periodontal disease than subjects without the disease.
Sixty percent of those with gum disease said they had visited the dentist within the past two years, half within a year and one-third within the previous six months, according to the study.
The study suggests that the dental visit could be a useful opportunity to conduct an initial check for diabetes, according to researchers.
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