The state of the oral health in patients with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Over 3 mln people in Poland suffer from diabetes out of which 1/3 are undiagnosed. Diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized by the chronic hyperglycaemia resulting from disturbances in insulin secretion and tissue resistance to its action. The most serious clinical problem in the diabetics is periodontal disease since hyperglycaemia influences the disturbance of the immune response and increases the number of periopathogens.

Aim: The aim of the study was an assessment of the oral health in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and methods: The study was conducted in the group of 450 people who reported to the selected specialist medical centers at the Rural Medicine Institute. Adult patients from Lublin macroregion were referred to the Department. 153 people among the studied were Diabetic Clinic patients with type 2 diabetes The assessment of the oral health was carried out on the basis of clinical examination included DMFt - the number of teeth with decay (D), the number of teeth removed because of tooth decay (M) or filled (F), index and masticatory function loss index (t). The results are summarized in tables and subjected to statistical analysis. A non- parametric Kruskall-Wallis test was used.

Results: In the group up to 34 years of age the number of extracted teeth was higher in healthy people. The index of masticatory function loss below 100% was higher in the diabetic patients.

Conclusions: Diabetic outpatient clinic patients should receive special dental care and frequent check-ups.

Keywords: DMFt; diabetes; metabolic disorders; oral glucose tolerance; oral health; oral symptoms of diabetes.