Global study finds gum disease raises type 2 diabetes risk

A Lancet Public Health review of over 300,000 people found periodontitis may increase type 2 diabetes risk, indicating oral and metabolic health are closely linked. Reviewing 28 longitudinal studies from 16 countries, periodontitis at the start was tied to an 18–25% higher occurrence of new type 2 diabetes; complete tooth loss carried 30% higher occurrence. Diabetes also increased later gum disease risk. Authors suggest dentists could help identify patients for diabetes screening; oral health remains poorly integrated into diabetes care. Current CDC guidance already supports dental screening and referral.