Want to know whether you are prone to diabetes? Then call your dentist up and fix an appointment. Open your mouth and show your teeth to him. He will let you know whether you are a "man-at-risk". Researchers at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in New York City have suggested that routine dental checkups may allow individuals to prevent diabetes before it actually hits.
The suggestions are based on the fact that periodontal diseases denote one of the early complications of diabetes. The researchers considered 600 individuals for the study, but did not inform them whether they were diabetic or pre-diabetic.
Of these 600 subjects, 530 individuals were found to be at a risk for diabetes. The risk factors found in them included high blood pressure and obesity. The subjects were asked to undergo periodontal examination and blood tests.
The researchers have suggested that the signs of diabetes or pre-diabetes include the number of missing teeth and the percentage of deep periodontal pockets. Researchers are hopeful to apply periodontal examination in the diagnosis of diabetes before it takes a serious shape.
