People with Diabetes Need to Pay Special Attention to Oral Health
By: Ferney-Voltaire, France | Articles
The symposium, opened to all congress attendees, educated participants on the relationship between diabetes and gum disease. Special focus was given to the situation in the United Arab Emirates, where the prevalence of diabetes, according to IDF’s Diabetes Atlas, third edition, is second highest in the world.
“There is a strong relationship between oral health and diabetes,” said Massimo Massi-Benedetti of the IDF. “On one hand, people with diabetes are much more susceptible to developing periodontitis, or severe gum disease. On the other hand, emerging research suggests those with periodontitis may have difficulties in controlling their diabetes, because severe gum disease may impact the metabolic control and nutritional status of people with diabetes.”
“By educating both physicians and dentists about the relationship between oral health and diabetes, we can work to increase the quality of care for those who suffer from diabetes,” said Dr Burton Conrod, President of the FDI, on occasion of World Diabetes Day. “For people living with diabetes, it is important that they are aware of the increased risk factors for each of the different disease areas and take the preventative measures necessary to control these risks.”
In the Call to Action issued by the FDI and IDF, all stakeholders are urged to take these factors into consideration in developing integrated disease approach programmes to address diabetes and oral care. To further educate the public of the relationship that exists between the two diseases, scientific papers based on the discussions and outcome of the symposium will be printed in journals of both health organisations.
About the FDI World Dental Federation
The FDI World Dental Federation is the worldwide, authoritative and independent voice of dentistry. With more than 130 national dental associations in more than 125 countries around the world, it represents nearly one million dentists internationally. For more information about the FDI, please visit the FDI website at www.fdiworldental.org.
About the International Diabetes Federation
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is an umbrella organization of over 200 member associations in more than 160 countries, advocating for the 246 million people with diabetes, their families, and their healthcare providers. The mission of IDF is to promote diabetes care, prevention and a cure worldwide. IDF is an NGO in official relations with the World Health Organization and an associated NGO with the United Nations Department of Public Information. Additional information about IDF is available at www.idf.org.
Contact Information:
FDI World Dental Federation
Christina Lee Thorsen
Communications Coordinator
cthorsen(at)fdiworldental.org
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 40 50 50
Fax: +33 (0)4 50 40 55 55
International Diabetes Federation
Kerrita McClaughlyn
kerrita.mcclaughlyn(at)idf.org
Tel: +32 (0)2 543 1639
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