Diabetes mellitus - Click here

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia due to impaired insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. The major types include type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes.

Chronic hyperglycemia leads to systemic complications such as cardiovascular disease, nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy. In the oral cavity, diabetes is strongly associated with periodontal disease, xerostomia, delayed wound healing, increased susceptibility to infections, and burning mouth symptoms. Periodontitis and diabetes share a bidirectional relationship, where poor glycemic control worsens periodontal status and periodontal inflammation adversely affects glycemic control.

Management involves glycemic control through lifestyle modification, pharmacotherapy, and regular monitoring, along with preventive dental care and periodontal maintenance to reduce oral and systemic complications.