Current Trends In The Management Of Diabetes Mellitus: The Dentist’s Perspective

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic, non-communicable disease with concomitant oral manifestations that impact on dental care. Approximately 40-80 persons in 2,000 adult population visiting dental practice are diabetic and about half are unaware of their condition. The average dentist attends to over 100 diabetic patients per year. It is important for dentists to be familiar with the medical management of patients with DM, and to recognize the signs and symptoms of undiagnosed or poorly controlled disease. Oral diseases and their treatments are known to affect glycemic control and insulin resistance in diabetic patient. By taking an active role in the diagnosis and treatment of oral conditions associated with DM, dentists also may contribute to the maintenance of optimum health in patients with this condition. Improved knowledge of this condition among dental practitioner will translate to enhanced management of oral diseases, prevention of complication and overall improvement in quality of life of diabetic patients. Emphasis should therefore be placed on the multidisciplinary and team approach in diabetes mellitus patient management.