Forget rush hour traffic: nothing's more frustrating than doing all of the "right things" for Type 2 diabetics... exercising, eating healthy, and de-stressing... and having blood sugar levels that won't budge. If this sounds like you, it may be time to look inside your mouth for the answer to your out of control blood sugar levels.
Research conducted by the International Association for Dental Research found diabetics who aggressively treated gum disease had lower blood sugar levels and fewer incidents of diabetic complications than those that let various gum diseases ravage their mouths. Going after periodontal (gum) disease saved an average of $2,400 per patient, the researchers note.
What is Periodontal Disease and What Does It Have to Do With Diabetes?
Periodontal disease is one of the most common oral health problems in the United States. It's caused by bacterial infections in your gums. Scientists have long known about the link between gum diseases and diabetes... diabetics are at much higher risk than non-diabetics. However, most of them thought that diabetes raised the gum disease risk. That's because the bacteria in your mouth love to feed on the excess blood sugar diabetics have lying around. But now it looks like diabetes and gum disease is a two-way street.
That's because periodontal disease causes two things... inflammation and insulin resistance... they are the last two things someone with Type 2 diabetes needs. Any type of illness caused by an infection boosts your body's levels of inflammation. This is actually quite normal as inflammation helps your body combat invaders and repair. However, for diabetics who already have through-the-roof inflammation levels, an infection can wreak havoc.
And nowhere is more affected than your body's blood glucose metabolism. Inflammation directly interferes with the insulin receptors on your cells, making insulin less effective.
Here's how you can stop gum disease from impacting your blood sugar levels:
1. Oral Hygiene: Basic oral hygiene like brushing and flossing goes a long way towards reducing periodontal risk.
2. Seek Help: If you have red, sore or bleeding gums, it's time to see your dentist. Only he or she can help get rid of your gum disease and get your blood sugar back to normal.
3. Vitamin D: Studies show people who get enough vitamin D have lower rates of gum disease. Vitamin D helps decrease gum inflammation and makes your gums more resistant to bacterial assault. You can get vitamin D from sunlight or by eating vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish and dairy products.
To discover answers to questions you may be asking yourself about Type 2 Diabetes, click on this link... Natural Diabetes Treatments
Clicking on this link will help you to learn more about Type 2 Diabetes Solutions... Beverleigh Piepers RN... the Diabetes Detective.
Beverleigh Piepers is the author of this article. This article can be used for reprint on your website provided all the links in the article are complete and active. Copyright (c) 2010 - All Rights Reserved Worldwide
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