Diabetes has long been a risk factor for periodontal disease but new research suggests that poor oral health increases the risk for the development of diabetes.
A leading expert on the link between periodontitis and diabetes is the keynote speaker at the annual Professionals’ Day event, Friday, March 25 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry, 40th and Holdrege Streets in Lincoln.
Maria Ryan, D.D.S., Ph.D., a professor of oral biology and pathology at the Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine will present the Wentz Memorial Lecture at 1:30 p.m. in the Great Plains Room at the East Campus Union, directly west of the College of Dentistry.
People who have periodontal or “gum” disease are at much higher risk for developing insulin resistance which leads to diabetes, Dr. Ryan said.
“New studies show that if you are not yet diabetic but you have periodontal disease you are at much higher risk for developing diabetes, emphasizing the importance of good oral health,” she said.
Diabetes is an epidemic affecting 24 million people in the United States and 300 million people world-wide who have the disease and another 57 million people who are pre-diabetic in the U.S. alone, she said.
“The Centers for Disease Control is looking to health care professionals, including dentists, to aid in the screening process for early detection of diabetes or pre-diabetes allowing for early intervention,” Dr. Ryan said.
Dr. Ryan is available for interviews from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, March 25. To arrange an interview with Dr. Ryan contact Lisa Spellman, UNMC Public Relations, 402.250.6710 cell.
Through world-class research and patient care, UNMC generates breakthroughs that make life better for people throughout Nebraska and beyond. Its education programs train more health professionals than any other institution in the state. Learn more at unmc.edu.