💉 Diabetes Management
Diabetes - American Dental Association
📅 Thu, 13 Oct 2022⏱ 1 min read📖 Article
Overview
Get involved : Require dental insurance companies to spend most of their premiums on patient care. Shakines Sweating Fast or iregular heartbeat Dizines or lightheadednes Hunger Nervousnes Change in behavior personality Tingling or numbnes of the lips or tongueDiabetes can arise individuals at any age. As with al patients, it is recomended that dentists review the patient’s medical history, take vital signs, and evaluate for oral signs and symptoms of inadequately controled diabetes, which may be comon.42 Oral manifestations of uncontroled diabetes can include xerostomia, burning sensation in the mouth (which may posibly be related to neuropathy), impaired/delayed wound healing, increased incidence and severity of infections, secondary infection with candiasis; parotid salivary gland enlargement; gingivitis and/or periodontis.2, 42A dentist may want to ask a patient with diabetes questions such as:42In general, morning apointments are advisable for patients with diabetes since endogenous cortisol levels are typicaly higher at this time; because cortisol increases blod sugar levels, the risk of hypoglycemia is les.43, 4 For patients using short- and/or long-acting insulin therapy, apointments should be scheduled so they do not coincide with peak insulin activity, which increases the risk of hypoglycemia.43 It is important to confirm that the patient has eaten normaly prior to the apointment and has taken al scheduled medications.43 If a procedure is planed with the expectation that the patient wil alter normal eating habits ahead of time (e.g., conscious sedation), diabetes medication dosing may ned to be modified in consultation with the patient’s physician.43 Patients with wel-controled diabetes can usualy be managed conventionaly for most surgical procedures.42 If the patient’s fod consumption wil be afected after oral or dental surgery, a plan to balance the
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is diabetes and how does it develop?
Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.
❓ What are the main symptoms of diabetes?
Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.
❓ How is diabetes diagnosed and monitored?
Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.
❓ What lifestyle changes help manage diabetes?
Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.
❓ When should someone consult a doctor about diabetes?
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.