Diabetes Mellitus — Dental Implications
Types
- Type 1 — autoimmune β-cell destruction, insulin-dependent.
- Type 2 — insulin resistance (≈90% of cases).
Monitoring
HbA1c reflects ~3-month average glycaemia; <7% indicates good control.
Oral/Dental Implications
Increased periodontal disease (bidirectional relationship), delayed wound healing, candidiasis, xerostomia, and risk of hypoglycaemia during appointments. Schedule morning appointments, ensure the patient has eaten/taken medication, and keep glucose available.
Exam Tips ⭐
Type 2 ≈ 90%; HbA1c <7% = good control; diabetes ↔ periodontal disease; watch for hypoglycaemia.