Diabetes and oral health

Understand the aetiology and classification of diabetes, the effects diabetes has on oral and systemic health and the role we as a profession play in the multi-disciplinary care of the diabetes patient.

Objectives

GDC development outcome C

Diabetes now affects about 6% of the British population.¹ It is estimated that there are 3.7 million people in the UK todaywith diabetes and as many asone in five UK citizens could have diabetes without knowing. Diabetes UK claims that the average sufferer has had diabetes from between nine and 12 years before doctors diagnose the condition and worldwide it is estimated that 46% of people with diabetes are undiagnosed.² Approximately 90% people with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent), making it one of the most common conditions affecting older people in the UK today.³