Tag: diabetes

World Oral Health Day: Importance of oral care for diabetics – Times of India

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Did you know diabetes can cause oral health problems?

People with diabetes have a low resistance to infection and a slow healing process, hence they are more likely to have oral health problems. In India, there are 77 million diabetics, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), in 2020 and over 90% of people with diabetes have some type of oral health problem as mentioned in a study of Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences.

Some of common diabetes and oral care issues are:


Gum disease or Gingivitis

This is one of the most common issues of diabetes sufferers. Gum disease occurs when plaque accumulates over time and hardens. Gums become red, swollen and may also bleed. This could lead to the advanced stage called periodontitis if not addressed timely. Also, it is a two-way journey, not only can diabetes lead to gum problems, but also worsen uncontrolled diabetes and affect blood glucose levels.

All one needs to do is follow diabetes precautions along with diligent holistic oral hygiene practice. The oral care routine should involve brushing regularly with a soft bristles toothbrush. Floss to remove stubborn plaque and use of mouthwash. A mouthwash cleans the whole mouth and removes germs and plaque which are the root cause of gum problems. Also one should let their dentist know about their diabetic condition.

Loss of teeth


People with diabetes are at more risk to lose their teeth than people without diabetes. There are many factors that can cause this, one of the main reasons is uncontrolled sugar levels. Higher sugar levels in a diabetic can cause more bacteria to grow in the mouth which can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease. In case an infection sets in the mouth, a diabetic will take more time to heal which can also cause direct impact on the bone that supports the teeth, ultimately leading to loss of teeth. Hence it is better to stay cautious by doing timely dental check-ups and maintaining an oral hygiene routine.

Dry mouth


A diabetic can also experience symptoms like dry mouth due to lack of saliva. It is mostly because of the medications they take. Dry mouth could lead to increased infections in the mouth like thrush, and tooth decay. One might also get bad breath issues.

Fortunately, there’s an easy fix for this. Consuming more water and chewing sugar-free gum will lessen dryness in the mouth. Regular dental check-ups are essential if you have dry mouth. Brush and floss every day. If you can’t brush after eating, rinse with a mouthwash. Using a mouthwash with essential oils with antibacterial function and anti-fungal properties is the best way to fight bad breath and address thrush. Highlighting these conditions to your doctor is also important.

Tooth decay

Higher blood sugar levels lead to a greater supply of sugars and starches which results in more acid wearing away the teeth, causing decay. Tooth decay could lead to cavities which can be immensely painful. It is best prevented though it can be treated.

While diet plays an important role, having an oral hygiene routine can make a difference in the prevention of tooth decay. High sugar and refined carbohydrates should be avoided as they can increase the risk of dental decay. Using a fluoride toothpaste is recommended. Flossing should be followed by rinsing the mouth with mouthwash regularly. This regime will keep your teeth strong to fight off cavities. It also helps in cleaning areas like under the tongue and the roof of the mouth, making the entire mouth clean.

Therefore, keeping good control of blood sugar levels, having smart and healthy lifestyle choices along with a good oral care routine at home with regular dental check-ups can help people with diabetes have a healthy mouth. On this ‘World Oral Health Day’ let’s pledge to raise awareness about the need for proper oral care hygiene in diabetes. Diabetes management is a lifelong task and oral care is a vital part of it.

To be attributed to Dr. Anirban Chatterjee, Periodontist and Implantologist, President Elect of Indian Society of Periodontology

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Types, Differences and Everything You Need to Know About it

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Diabetes mellitus is a class of metabolic diseases, all of them have in common high blood sugar (glucose) levels that stem from problems with insulin secretion, its action, or both. Usually, blood glucose levels are controlled by a hormone secreted by the pancreas known as insulin. When there is a rise in blood glucose levels, then the pancreas releases insulin to normalize the glucose level. There are mainly two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.

Both types are chronic diseases that affect the way blood sugar, or glucose regulation in the body. Glucose is like the fuel which feeds the body’s cells, but to enter cells it needs a key which is insulin.

Type 1: People with diabetes of this type don’t produce insulin.

Type 2: People with diabetes of this type don’t respond to insulin and later in the disease often fail to make enough insulin.

What is insulin?

Insulin is a hormone that is generated by specialized cells of the pancreas. Insulin is also important in strictly controlling the level of glucose in the blood.

Insulin treatment:

People with type 2 diabetes may need insulin when their meal plan, weight loss, exercise and drugs do not accomplish targeted blood glucose (sugar) levels. In a progeressive disease like diabetes, insulin injections may be required to compensate for declining production by the pancreas. That is why insulin treatment should never be perceived as a failure.

Possible cure:

Type 1: No cure at the moment however lifetime treatment can deal with symptoms. Gene therapy, regenerative medicine using stem cells, or pancreatic islet transplantation over time may become an option.

Type 2: Currently no cure, but adopting measures can slow progression and manage symptoms. Symptoms can be reduced using gastric bypass in people with severe obesity.

Prevention:

Type 1: It is not yet possible to prevent.

Type 2: A healthful diet with regular exercise must be followed. If prediabetes is diagnosed, follow a doctor’s instructions.

Outlook

Diabetes is a serious condition. For type 1, insulin and other drugs can help individuals to manage symptoms and live a normal life. While there could be a hereditary link for both types of diabetes, risks can be reduced and managed for type 2 diabetes by following a healthful lifestyle with regular exercise. Anyone with a prediabetes diagnosis should make healthy lifestyle choices to eliminate the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

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World Obesity Day 2021: Significance, theme and objectives

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The prevalence of obesity has increased manifold in the past few decades. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), obesity rates have nearly tripled since 1975 and five times in children, and adolescents. It is a problem that affects people of all ages.

Overweight and obesity is abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. The fundamental cause of obesity and overweight is an energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories burned. Also, in recent times an increased intake of energy dense foods which are high in fat and sugars and an increasingly sedentary lifestyle have led to a spike in obesity rates worldwide. Obesity is also a key factor for chronic conditions like type-2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and certain type of cancers. In India over five crore people suffer from obesity and metabolic issues related to it.

World Obesity Day is observed globally on March 4 with the view of promoting practical solutions to end the global obesity crisis. The global campaign is organised by the World Obesity Federation, a non-profit body which is in official relations with WHO. This year’s theme focuses on the global campaign ‘Every Body Needs Everybody’. The campaign is also aimed to collectively address the global crisis and defines obesity as a disease that is a key factor for other diseases.

Objectives for World Obesity Day:According to the World Obesity Federation, this year’s objectives are to increase awareness, encourage advocacy, improve policies and share experiences to achieve this common goal.

They also aim to tackle obesity with significant steps to achieve a healthier world. This World Obesity Day as a global invitation to everybody to work together and build a happier, healthier and obesity-free world spreads the message of – Understanding for every body, Protections for every body, Nutrition for every body, Healthcare for every body.



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