Exploring Inflammation as Link Between Periodontitis and Diabetes
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes continues to increase worldwide, decreasing quality of life, shortening lifespan, and increasing health care costs for those affected.

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes continues to increase worldwide, decreasing quality of life, shortening lifespan, and increasing health care costs for those affected. The prevalence of periodontal diseases is also rising, threatening the oral and overall health of nearly half of all American adults. The link between diabetes and periodontal diseases is inflammation, which is explored in the supplement “Diabetes and Periodontal Diseases“. This continuing education article, developed in partnership with the American Academy of Periodontology and sponsored by Colgate, explains the ongoing research on the role of inflammation in diabetes and periodontitis and offers insight on the bidirectional link between these diseases. It is authored by Marcelo Freire, DDS, PhD, DMSc—an assistant professor in the Immunology Department at the Forsyth Institute, Harvard School of Dental Medicine in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and clinical and translational network president for the International Association of Dental Research.
From Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. February 2017;15(2):18.