What is the impact of periodontitis on the metabolic control and risk for diabetic complications?

What will be an ideal response?

Periodontal disease may contribute to difficulty controlling sugar levels in patients who are diabetic. Again, host response plays an important role in both periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased prevalence and severity of gingivitis and periodontitis. On the contrary, periodontitis may increase the risk for worsening glycemic control in diabetic patients and may increase the risk of developing diabetic complications. This is because of a condition called insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is more commonly found in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetics usually have alterations in carbohydrates, protein, and lipid metabolism, which is manifested as high sugar (glucose) levels, referred to as hyperglycemia. This is due to a lack of insulin secretion by the pancreas or a decrease in insulin activity. Insulin resistance occurs when the body does not respond to insulin properly so that more insulin is required for it to have its effect. Thus, good glycemic control is important for diabetes and periodontal disease.